The Observation Deck
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The observation deck is located near the Akhtanak Park – Victory Park dedicated to the victory in the Great Patriotic War. The Monument to the 50th Anniversary of Soviet Armenia (currently “Armenia Reborn”) was built in 1972. In the park by the monument you can see sculptures of animals and folk heroes made of makeshift materials which, however, look pretty realistic.
Let’s come up to the railing. Yerevan is located at the junction of the mountains and plains; its altitude above sea level ranges from 900 to 1,300 meters; for this reason, despite its relatively small territory, the weather in different parts of the city may be significantly different. The observation deck is overlooking the city on all sides. In the central part, at the end of the green alley, you can see a round building – that is the Theater of Opera and Ballet. On the right, on higher grounds, is a sports and entertainment complex which looks more like an alien spacecraft; on the left behind some woodland is the building of Yerevan State University. Here and there you can see the cupolas of churches with crosses, one of which we will visit today.
Among the old-pitched roofs of the old neighborhoods, there have appeared many new buildings and the masts of construction cranes are seen everywhere – the city is constantly being built and renewing. Old buildings and structures of the Soviet period are easily identifiable – mainly they are made of tufa stone; after all, until very recently and for good reason Yerevan was known as the city of pink tufa.
In clear weather, you can see the biblical Mount Ararat – it is proudly “overhangs” the city and watches over its development while in misty conditions Ararat looks more like a kind grandfather who, with outstretched arms, embraces and protects our city. Ararat is the symbol of Armenia; it has a special meaning for each Armenian even though it is located beyond Armenia’s borders.
Now, go to the staircase at the center of the observation deck – it is time to go. Go downstairs and turn right, then go down the path keeping left until you reach the highest level of the Cascade.
Let’s come up to the railing. Yerevan is located at the junction of the mountains and plains; its altitude above sea level ranges from 900 to 1,300 meters; for this reason, despite its relatively small territory, the weather in different parts of the city may be significantly different. The observation deck is overlooking the city on all sides. In the central part, at the end of the green alley, you can see a round building – that is the Theater of Opera and Ballet. On the right, on higher grounds, is a sports and entertainment complex which looks more like an alien spacecraft; on the left behind some woodland is the building of Yerevan State University. Here and there you can see the cupolas of churches with crosses, one of which we will visit today.
Among the old-pitched roofs of the old neighborhoods, there have appeared many new buildings and the masts of construction cranes are seen everywhere – the city is constantly being built and renewing. Old buildings and structures of the Soviet period are easily identifiable – mainly they are made of tufa stone; after all, until very recently and for good reason Yerevan was known as the city of pink tufa.
In clear weather, you can see the biblical Mount Ararat – it is proudly “overhangs” the city and watches over its development while in misty conditions Ararat looks more like a kind grandfather who, with outstretched arms, embraces and protects our city. Ararat is the symbol of Armenia; it has a special meaning for each Armenian even though it is located beyond Armenia’s borders.
Now, go to the staircase at the center of the observation deck – it is time to go. Go downstairs and turn right, then go down the path keeping left until you reach the highest level of the Cascade.
