Source: iStock
On the slopes of the biblical Mount Ararat and on the banks of the Hrazdan River stands Yerevan, the capital and most populous city of Armenia also known as Pink City.
A well-kept, clean city equipped with an efficient subway and which at the same time boasts, however, a mysterious origin waiting to be discovered.
Yerevan was born with the construction of the Erebuni Fortress, whose name means "Blood Fortress": in the past an important bastion, today a notable archaeological site and city museum. Furthermore, the year recognized as that of the foundation of the city (formerly Erebuni) is 782 BC, that is, 29 years before the birth of Rome.
Il pink it is the color that many homes and buildings around show off Republic square. A particular shade due to the stone used for construction: a type of tuff called ignimbrites.
This type of stone is very abundant in the Armenian territory and, although it mainly has a uniform colour, it is capable of taking on different shades, depending on the extraction quarry.
The reason for this coloring would be linked to the fact that the original volcanic explosion occurred in an extremely explosive way, generating a dense and destructive lava flow which spread over a large area very quickly. In this way, a surface layer of oxidized ignimbrite was formed.
A beautiful and ancient capital where there are many attractions to visit. Among its most famous sites is the so-called Waterfall, an imposing staircase in pink shades embellished with fountains and flowerbeds, which is a meeting point loved by locals and tourists. From its top, among other things, you can even enjoy a more than enchanting view.
The city has a geometric and regular shape and monuments of gigantic dimensions which are capable of providing highly evocative scenery. Absolutely enchanting it is Piazza della Repubblica, where some of the most important institutions are located, including the Ministry of Communications and the Government Palace. Of particular interest here is the Musical Fountain which features jets of water and lights that create real choreographies. No less interesting is the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator, the largest Armenian church in the world, made up of three different structures.
Finally, not to be missed is the famous one Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial, built in 1995 on the Tsitsernakaberd hill which preserves photographs and testimonies of the genocide, which occurred between 1915 and 1922.
Yerevan (whose original name is Yerevan) is a real pearl that enters straight into the heart.
Source: iStock
