Mother Armenia Pedestal Yerevan
Standing the test of time
Mother Armenia is one of Yerevan's most iconic monuments. It dots the cityscape from its position in the city's Victory Park, on a hill overlooking downtown Yerevan. Though the statue itself dates from 1967, its pedestal has a much older, and more intriguing history.
Originally commissioned as a statue honouring Soviet Strongman Joseph Stalin, the monument was meant to crown the new Victory Park, commemorating the defeat over Nazi Germany during World War Two.
According to a popular local legend, the renowned Armenian architect, Raphael Israelian, foresaw destalinisation, and designed the statue's pedestal to be multifunctional. It was then reused when the Mother Armenia Statue was erected on the site 17 years later.
Though the outside may seem like your typical drab, Soviet-style monumental architectural archetype, the interior holds quite a few surprises for visitors.
Israelian, who made his career designing Armenian churches, built the interior to closely resemble the distinct style of Armenian ecclesiastical buildings. The cathedral-like vaulted ceilings cover a central nave.
If the architecture alone isn't enough to warrant a visit, the military museum hosted within its walls might just do it. The museum, dedicated to the memory of Armenia's contribution to the defeat of Nazi Germany hosts a pretty large collection of World War II-era weapons, machinery, and memorabilia.
I would suggest visiting it as part of a wider visit to the Victory Park. Views on the city and mount Ararat are also quite spectacular.
About this spot
Yervand Kochar backyard 17
- Tue - Sat 09:00 - 15:00
AMD
free
Find your way with 142 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Yerevan
Mama Jan
Homey and creative food
"Mama Jan" in Yerevan is an intercultural space with food for body and soul. They also hold cultural & spiritual events. But that strawberry lassi...!
By
Sofia
Manukyan
Botanical Garden
For tree lovers
The "Botanical Garden" in Yerevan is great not only for nice longs walks in a mini-forest, but also for witnessing an impressive Soviet-era greenhouse...
By
Sofia
Manukyan
Vahakni Pool
Cool off in the hot Yerevan summer
If I had to choose a single pool in Yerevan, it would be the "Vahakni Pool" and bar, located in the private residential suburb of Vahakni...
By
Raffi
Elliott
George’s DOM
Have brunch in an indoor-garden
Central Yerevan's quickly-gentrifying Saryan street is home to a new eatery: George’s DOM. The atmosphere's really something special...
By
Raffi
Elliott
Industrial Ruins
Post-industrial ruin paradise
The industrial ruins to the south of Yerevan's downtown make a perfect playground for ''ruin porn'' photographers and soviet architecture enthusiasts...
By
Raffi
Elliott
Artists' Building
A Soviet institution
The "Artists' Building" in Yerevan is Brezhnev-era apartment tower were many artists, artisans & new occupants practice their craft to this day...
By
Raffi
Elliott
The Green Bean Cafe
Coffee and pastries
"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!
By
Arpi
Janyan
Hraparak Metro
Soviet Shdevr
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.
By
Alan
Grigorian
Homeland Handycrafts
Armenian fair trade
"Homeland Handycrafts" in Yerevan is a social enterprise designed to revive traditional Armenian crafts while employing the most vulnerable population...
By
Raffi
Elliott
Open Air Cinema
Constructivism alive
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!
By
Raffi
Elliott
Millennial Park
Celebrating 2800 years of Yerevan
By
Raffi
Elliott
Hanrapetutyan Street
Beautiful old architecture
"Hanrapetutyan Street" in Yerevan is one of the most central in the city, yet there is so much to see here. The buildings are really beautiful and old...
By
Sofia
Manukyan
Heading to Yerevan?
142 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Yerevan this weekend?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 142 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
Our team loves Yerevan
Get to know our other Spotters from Yerevan
As featured on:
