Yerevan Cascade

If you’ve signed up for any sort of Yerevan city tour, you’ll no doubt stop at the Yerevan Cascade. Completed in 1980, this unique-looking limestone staircase is famous for its distinctive Soviet-era aesthetic and peaceful, sculpture-filled gardens. Don’t be disappointed if the weather means you can’t see Mt. Ararat across the border in Turkey—you can still catch stunning views of rosy-toned Yerevan, and landmarks such as the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex.

• For anyone not keen on making it up all 572 steps, there is an indoor escalator that takes you to the top. It’s free to ride and lets visitors with limited mobility enjoy the artwork and the views.

• From the top of the Cascade, you can keep walking toward Victory Park, home to a small theme park and the famous Mother of Armenia statue.

• The Cascade is also close to the Matenadaran, the museum of manuscripts, making it easy to visit both attractions during one outing.

• The Cascade is spread out over five levels, each connected by steps or an indoor escalator. Each section features open-air artworks and sculptures from artists such as Botero, plus Armenian khachkars (medieval cross-stones).

The Cascade is centrally located and reachable on foot from many downtown locations. It’s a 30-minute walk from Republic Square, or you can take the metro in the direction of Barekamutyun and get off at Yeritasardakan, then continue walking for another 8 minutes. (Yerevan only has one metro line, so you just want to make sure you’re headed in the right direction.)

This popular hangout spot remains open all day and night. The best times to come during the summer months are in the early morning, before the blazing heat of the day, and around sunset. Otherwise, during colder times of the year, the Cascade is a great spot to warm up on a sunny afternoon. Note: The indoor escalator and the Cafesjian Center for the Arts are typically only open from morning until early evening (check the hours ahead of your visit.)

Downtown Yerevan’s Soviet-era landmarks are almost entirely constructed from a locally quarried lava rock that has a unique pinkish hue, giving the Armenian capital its nickname. These rose-colored buildings are on full display from the top of the Cascade. Otherwise, head to Republic Square—home to the History Museum of Armenia and the National Gallery of Armenia—to enjoy the warm tones. Pro tip: The color pops the most during the golden hours around sunrise and sunset.