Vishapakar Yerevan
A prehistoric menhir
This is real prehistoric Vishapakar (dragon stone) (check out the article) or a Vishap stella, standing in front of one of the government buildings in Yerevan. I pass by this mystical creature inherited from my ancestors every single day, because it's on my way to work.
This serpent-headed dragon stone is one of the enigmatic menhirs characteristic of the Armenian Highlands and can be found on high altitudes in many locations in Armenia. In the prehistoric past, in the time with no Google Maps, they were used as markers to show the location of water. There are a number of other meanings to them, most of which are unknown to us, and that’s a whole new blank page for the young historians, scientists, anthropologists and others alike, with passion for exploring, to research and find out more.
The word vishap is Iranian in origin, and its etymology is still disputed, either meaning a poisonous water-living creature or a creature of prodigious size. Whatever they are, they like staying where they were made, so hopefully this Vishap will be brought back to its original location one day, somewhere in the high mountains of the Armenian Highland, to keep showing the location of water. By the way, according to different scientific sources, it’s most likely about 3000-4000 years old, or even much older. And most likely he doesn’t enjoy being forced to guard a governmental building.
About this spot
Government House 3, Aram Street
- 24 hours daily
AMD
no-price
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Yerevan guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Yerevan
Sweet Coast – Cake Mecca
"Sweet Coast" in Yerevan offers a wide variety of desserts you can pair with their great coffee. I personally really enjoy their pistachio cream pie...
By
Alan
Grigorian
Sakurada – Udonlicious
Yes, udon noodles are being prepared in Yerevan, Armenia, in "Sakurada", and they are oishi (delicious in Japanese)!
By
Alan
Grigorian
Smoking Chef – Protein fix
"Smoking Chef" is one of my favorite restaurants in Yerevan. Know what a josper grill is? I love Armenian BBQ, but sometimes you need a change of pace...
By
Alan
Grigorian
Mehak – The flavor Mahal
"Mehak" is an Indian restaurant in Yerevan that makes extraordinarily delicious food! I like how they include local produce. Try their vegetable pakora!
By
Alan
Grigorian
Babylon – Mesopotamian cuisine
"Babylon" in Yerevan is a culinary bridge between the ancient Armenian and Iraqi cuisines. Most of all, I love their incredible dish called the Masgouf...
By
Alan
Grigorian
Derian Restaurant 1 – Syrian-Armenian cuisine
"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
Alan
Grigorian
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