The Sad Bull Yerevan

A caged symbull

Vahagn from Yerevan

"The symbol of the bull goes way back in Armenian history and it can still be found today, even though this sad bull in particular sits behind a cage..."

When I saw this bas-relief hidden behind the rain gutter, I immediately imagined that bull’s monologue: "First they borrowed my brave,ancient character and used it in Soviet Armenian architecture to perhaps celebrate their triumph over consciousness & spiritual values of the glorious past, then they put this stupid pipe in front of my face, I guess to punish me for losing the game! Can someone please remove it now?!"

I looked down and saw that the closest people to hear these complaints were the workers of the Ministry of Finances, whose windows are just below this artwork, and I understood why nothing's changed over the years. And this seems to be a tiny detail, but it actually is a symbolic indicator of how modern life transforms many values. In ancient Armenian mythology, the bull symbolized power, vigor & strength, and was believed to carry the earth on his horns. Even in the Christian era of believing in one God, Armenians still believed in the power of the Bull, which was one of the most influential symbolic characters of the Armenian history.

Bulls can be found on many frescoes, bas-reliefs, coins, stamps etc. Their statues have been guarding temples and city gates. But the times have changed and now a simple building maintenance procedure like a rain gutter installation can easily cage an ancient symbol like this. People certainly forgot that the Earth turns on a bull’s horns and when he shakes his head earthquakes begin. Give the Sad Bull a smile, please.

Art & culture

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Yerevan Spotter Vahagn

About me I am currently working on long-term tourism development projects, mainly as a trail development specialist and ecotourism expert. I've worked on creation of hiking and mountain biking trails in a number of Protected Areas in Armenia. Currently, I am working on transboundary tourism packages and tourism management in protected areas. I am also involved with the Transcaucasian Trail international team as a Trail Development & Partnerships specialist. I love hiking, cycling, yoga and arts. I often get 1-day or multi-day hiking orders from big and small groups of l...

About this spot

Buzand Street

AMD

no-price

Dec 5, 2025

Our Yerevan City Guide

Find your way with 162 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Yerevan guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Yerevan

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!

Cinema

Raffi

Elliott

Dec 6, 2025

Millennial Park

Celebrating 2800 years of Yerevan

Art & culture

Relaxing

Raffi

Elliott

Dec 6, 2025

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...

Art & culture

Sofia

Manukyan

Dec 5, 2025

Ardēan

Embracing art

"Ardēan": a center for art, architecture and design that has its gallery shop on Abovyan street in Yerevan. I like how they combine technology & tradition.

Art & culture

Shopping

Arpi

Ohanyan

Dec 5, 2025

Dec 5, 2025

Dalan

Taste of Old Yerevan

"Dalan" in Yerevan is a 19th century house which now serves as a restaurant and art gallery. I love the little cafe outside that's under vines...

Art & culture

Restaurants

Arpi

Ohanyan

Dec 5, 2025

TUMO Park

When in need of fresh air in Yerevan

"TUMO Park" in Yerevan has a beautiful panoramic view over the city and the gorge below. I like coming here in summer, and it's great for socialising...

Relaxing

Sofia

Manukyan

Dec 5, 2025

5concept

Dress ethically

"5concept" is a fashion concept store in Yerevan of Armenian designers. Whatever I buy here, I always get a lot of attention, sometimes even too much!

Shopping