Republic Square Yerevan

Republic Square is the centre of Yerevan, an oval surrounded by grand government buildings, a hotel and museums built from pink and ochre volcanic tuff in the mid-20th century. The colour of the stone changes through the day, glowing warm in the late afternoon.

On one side, the History Museum of Armenia and the National Gallery share a single building, both worth an hour or two. In front of them, the singing fountains dance to music on summer evenings, drawing families and couples onto the square.

Visit in the evening for the fountains, which usually run from late spring to early autumn. The square is a short walk from the Cascade, the Vernissage weekend craft market and many of the city’s restaurants.