Armenian summers tend to be long, hot and dry, with good weather starting in March and lasting until the end of October. When the sun goes down, and cooler winds sweep through the city, there's nothing better than watching movies with friends outside.
The open-air theatre behind the Moscow Cinema was controversial from the start. The Soviets, which had been involved in imposing their policy of state secularism, were looking for an excuse to destroy the 5th century Saint Paul and Peter Church. This constructivist-style open-air cinema hall would prove to be the perfect replacement.
Ironically, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, when the Armenian Church wished to reclaim the land occupied by the amphitheatre to rebuild the historic church, they were met by staunch opposition by civic-minded Yerevantsis. This dispute was remembered as a symbol of Yerevan's denizens stand against continued encroachment on public space.
The amphitheatre remains operational to this day and hosts a number of screenings during the annual Yerevan Golden Apricot International Film Festival.
Soviet ruin-porn enthusiasts can access the building throughout the year, but the best time to be there is during the summer. The open-air cinema is right down town, so it's really fun to go out for beers in one of the many nearby cafés with friends after catching a flick.
Its screening schedule changes a lot but movies are usually listed on Cinema Moscow's website.
Find your way with 142 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"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.
By
"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
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
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
Central Yerevan's quickly-gentrifying Saryan street is home to a new eatery: George’s DOM. The atmosphere's really something special...
By
The industrial ruins to the south of Yerevan's downtown make a perfect playground for ''ruin porn'' photographers and soviet architecture enthusiasts...
By
The "Artists' Building" in Yerevan is Brezhnev-era apartment tower were many artists, artisans & new occupants practice their craft to this day...
By
"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
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
"Homeland Handycrafts" in Yerevan is a social enterprise designed to revive traditional Armenian crafts while employing the most vulnerable population...
By
By
"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
142 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 142 Insider Tips