Looking for something to do in Yerevan that is easily
accessible? Well, how about visiting the
two above-mentioned tourist attractions?
Placed together because they are part of the same complex, they have
been ranked 5th out of 31 attractions in Yerevan on Trip Adviser and
they are definitely worth a visit whether you fancy a laid back, relaxed
morning or afternoon in the nation’s capital or a little more exertion. Located at 10 Tamanyan Street, Yerevan 009,
it links the downtown Kentron area of Yerevan with the Monument neighbourhood,
as well as allowing visitors spectacular views of both Yerevan and Mount Ararat.
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| The Cascades and Cafesjian Center for the Arts |
History of The
Cascades
The idea for The Cascades was initially envisaged by the
architect Alexander Tamayan, who visualised joining the northern and central
parts of Armenia’s capital, known as the historic residential and cultural
parts of the city. However, he didn’t
want to just join them, he wanted to join them using a vast lush area of garden
and waterfalls. Unfortunately, Tamayan
died in 1936 before he saw his dream realised and the plan was not revived
until the late 1970s.
It was at this time that the architect Jim Torosyan took
Tamayan’s original plan but incorporated exciting fresh ideas, including: a
colossal exterior staircase; a long interior shaft containing a series of escalators;
and a complex system of halls, courtyards and gardens decorated with an
abundance of sculptures depicting Armenia’s history and cultural heritage. With this vision in mind, building of The
Cascades began in 1980s.
Regrettably, the Armenian earthquake of 1988 followed by the
dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a period of severe economic
hardship that halted the construction of this landmark until 2002. Over the following 7 years, the entire
structure was renovated with the help of its benefactor, the American-Armenian
businessman, Gerard L. Cafesjian.
However, despite the renovation, The Cascade remains unfinished and
rests 256 feet from its intended end, below The Monument.
The Addition of the
Cafesian Center for the Arts
Gerard L. Cafesjian was also the philanthropist that founded
the Cafesjian Family Foundation, the Cafesjian Museum Foundation and, finally,
the accompaniment to The Cascades: The Cafesjian Center for the Arts. Spending 35 million dollars on the renovation
of The Cascade and construction of the arts centre, Cafesjian’s aim was to
bring happiness in to the lives of everyday Armenians through exposure to art. Construction of his Centre for the Arts began
in spring in 2005 and although building was only supposed to take 3 years, the
museum was not actually finished until the autumn of 2009. Designed by a New York firm of architects,
the project attracted a great deal of publicity and controversy for its
ambitious nature and was described as a megalomaniacal project and a strange
and spectacular building.
What to Expect from a
Visit
The Cascade comprises
of 572 steps rising to a height of 991 feet on an incline of 15 degrees. However, if you do not fancy the exercise of
climbing these stairs, there is an escalator in the interior (the entrance is
to the left) and, as you ride to the top, you can admire the displays of the
art collection on either side. However,
if you decide to ride the escalator up, you will miss the views from the steps
– which are beyond spectacular. Also, if
you ride the escalator and want to visit the monument at the top, you need to
be aware that there will still be a climb of a few hundred metres.
In the 1990s, before the renovation on The Cascades began,
it had started to be used as a very progressive nightclub. However, since the renovation, it has become
a focal point of the city that is utilised as a public entertainment space –
with many a free concert given by popular Armenian performers, as well as
foreign artistes. Therefore, if you go
during the summer, you may have the honour of attending one of these free
concerts.
The Cafesjian Center for the Arts will add to the whole
cultural experience at The Cascades by offering you the best of Armenian
culture to peruse, as well as a wide variety of exhibitions of contemporary art
combined with lectures, films, concerts and educational programmes for both
adults and children.
Trip Advisor Ratings
and Testimonials
As previously mentioned, The Cascades and the Cafesjian
Centre for the Arts are ranked 5th out of 31 Armenian tourist attractions
on Trip Adviser, with 120 out of 197 independent reviewers giving it 5 out of 5
and 60 more giving it 4 stars out of 5.
Some of the guests said the following:
‘Favourite place in the city.’
‘A place to remember...’
‘Best centrally-located tourist
(and non-tourist) place to visit in Yerevan.’
‘Excellent artwork and great
view of Yerevan.’
Ultimately, it seems that there is a lot of history to learn
at these attractions, as well as lots of Armenian culture and heritage to be
soaked up!
