To the South of Yerevan's well-laid out "Garden City"-style downtown area, filled with chic boutiques and European eateries, lies the city's industrial heart. Or should we say post-industrial. Many of these massive "concerns" (soviet-era factory complexes which employed tens of thousands to produce heavy industrial goods sold across the former Communist bloc) lie abandoned and in ruin. Massive industrial cranes lie eerily idle since the day the USSR collapsed. Huge hats from iron smelters rust as their inner areas remain exposed to the elements.
The area also serves as a good example of soviet-era urban planning which placed industrial areas along a metro line running directly from "working-class" residential neighbourhoods to make mass transit easier for workers.
While some of the warehouses and factory floors have been reclaimed by smaller businesses, the rest of the district, is easily accessible via the "Qordzaranayin" (fittingly: "Factory") Metro Station, and is a perfect playground for "ruin porn" photographers or enthusiasts of soviet industrial architecture.
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Find your way with 162 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The "Artists' Building" in Yerevan is Brezhnev-era apartment tower were many artists, artisans & new occupants practice their craft to this day...
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"The Green Bean Cafe" in Yerevan is a place I go to for meeting someone fast or when I need somewhere quiet to work. Great vegetarian & vegan food!
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It truly is a Soviet masterpiece considering its unique design and build: it is part metro station, part cavern and, once upon a time, part cafe.
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Derian Restaurant 1: a Syrian-Armenian restaurant that also happens to be one of my favorites in Yerevan. Everything I've tried there's been delicious.
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Yerablur Pantheon in Yerevan honors Armenian soldiers lost in recent wars, symbolizing the nation’s deep grief and collective sorrow and sacrifice.
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Hidden gem in Yerevan’s Charles Aznavour Square — a fountain with 12 zodiac statues. Spot your sign, snap a photo, and maybe even get some good luck!
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Small park in central Yerevan honoring painter Martiros Saryan, with daily open-air art shows where local artists display & sell their work. Come, have a look!
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Cozy Armenian spot in Yerevan with both traditional and modern dishes. Famous for its fun social media that will make you hungry before you even visit.
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Built in the 6th century, the Cathedral of Avan is Yerevan’s oldest surviving church. If you want to see a piece of real, ancient Yerevan, this is the place.
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Katoghike Holy Mother of God Church in Yerevan, a 13th-century site. For locals, it’s more than just a church. It’s a place of peace, prayer, and connection.
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Looking to chill with friends over a game of billiards, a cold beer, and some hookah? Black Ball Billiard Bar in Yerevan is your go-to spot for a fun night.
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The "Open Air Cinema" in Yerevan in Moscow Cinema has a rich history, and Soviet ruin-porn enthusiasts can access the building all-year round, too!
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162 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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