Former Foreign Affairs Government House on Republic Square Yerevan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Its beginnings can be traced to the 8th century BC when Erebuni Fortress was founded as the administrative and religious center of the Urartian kingdom. The name Yerevan evolved from Erebuni. After a long history under the rule of the Safavid (Persian) Empire, the Soviet Empire, the Ottoman Turks and the Soviet Union and after having been destroyed by an earthquake in 1679 and its population annihilated by the Ottoman Turks in 1915, Yerevan is the proud capital of Armenia today. The Pink City as Yerevan is referred to, was transformed in the early 2000s when new structures and businesses rose especially in the city center. Republic Square with its unique pink hued structures has been designated as one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It is not only elegant, it is also well loved by locals who flock to the square to enjoy its fountains and views ...
“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” - James Michener