The capital of Armenia, Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its roots date back to the 8th century BCE, when it was founded as a military stronghold due to its strategic location at the foot of the Armenian Highlands mountain range. Since the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, Yerevan has experienced substantial growth. Today, it is a bustling modern city. Yerevan is the largest city in Armenia, with a population of just over one million people, and is also the country’s economic and cultural center.
Flights to Yerevan arrive at Zvartnots International Airport (EVN). The airport is located about 9 miles west of the city in the suburb of Zvartnots. More than 2 million travelers pass through Zvartnots International Airport each year. The airport is a hub for several regional airlines including Armenia Airways; Aircompany Armenia; FlyOne Armenia; and Fly Arna.
Passengers who arrive on flights to Yerevan, Armenia, will find a few options for ground transportation. Express bus service to Yerevan’s city center, which departs from the airport every 30 minutes, has been available from Zvartnots International Airport since 2017. Ground transportation is also available via Yerevan’s subway system and by taxi.
Throughout its long history, Yerevan has been under the control of several governments, including that of ancient Rome, the Islamic Persian Empire, the ancient Mongols, Iran, Russia, and the Soviet Union. Armenia has been an independent country since 1991.
Airline tickets to Yerevan, Armenia, are frequently booked by leisure travelers who are of Armenian descent. It is also a popular destination for history buffs, academics, and business travelers from throughout Europe. Of the more popular routes, many travelers fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Yerevan.
Because of its long and varied history, Yerevan is home to many historic sites. The city is also at the center of Armenia’s cultural past. Among the other important roles that Yerevan has played in the country’s history, it has long been a center for carpet weaving, Armenia’s traditional art form.
Among Yerevan’s historic attractions are the ruins of several buildings, constructed by several civilizations and dating back thousands of years. Among the oldest churches in the city is the Holy Mother of God Katoghike Church of Avan. The stone structure, which was damaged by an earthquake in 1679, dates back to the 6th century. The Holy Mother of God Katoghike Church of Avan is one of the city’s top tourist destinations.
The oldest church in Yerevan that is still in use is the Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church, which was built in the 17th century.
Tourists who book flights to Yerevan often visit a few of the city’s several museums. Yerevan is home to many art museums, each with its own separate theme. These include the National Gallery of Armenia, which is the country’s largest museum. The National Gallery of Armenia, located in Yerevan’s Republic Square, is home to a large collection of European and Russian art. One of the city’s newest museums is the Cafesjian Museum of Art, which opened in 2009. The Cafesjian Museum features a collection of art glass and glass sculptures made by Eastern European artisans.
The most famous of Yerevan’s museums is perhaps the Matenadaran. Part library and part museum, the Matenadaran is home to thousands of ancient manuscripts and bibles. Documents from several civilizations in a variety of languages are stored there. These include manuscripts from the ancient Armenians, the ancient Greeks, and the ancient Romans written in Aramaic, Assyrian, Hebrew, and Latin.
Yerevan is also a hub for traditional Armenian music as well as jazz, classical music, and choral music. The city is home to several live performance venues including the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet; the Komitas Chamber Music House; and the large Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex, which can seat nearly 9,000 people.
People also book cheap air tickets to Yerevan to attend the city’s many festivals. These include the annual Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival; the ReAnimania International Animation Film & Comics Art Festival of Yerevan; and the Sose International Film Festival.
Yerevan’s most popular festival is perhaps the Vardavar Water Festival, which dates back thousands of years. Vardavar is traditionally observed each year 14 weeks after Easter. The city also hosts several annual wine festivals and a traditional Armenian clothing festival called Yerevan Taraz Fest.