There is one popular place in Yerevan, which is the most beloved and famous among tourists. However, having been there, it is difficult to grasp on the first try the whole significance and essence of the idea of this unusual Yerevan pyramid. Its dimensions are impressive.
The cascade in Yerevan is similar to the huge Tower of Babel. At its top, an obelisk called “The Revival of Armenia” was erected. Like the bible tower, the complex has not been completed until now.
Speaking of Cascade, it is always meant not only the famous numerous steps, but also the entire territory adjacent to the complex. Here, almost at its foot there is a stunning monument to the “culprit” of all this beauty - Alexander Tamanyan (more details in the article below).
Why does Cascade represent the modern symbol of the capital of Armenia? How many steps on the cascade in Yerevan? This and much more is presented in this article.
A little bit about the concept of "cascade"
Cascade (from the French cascade - waterfall) is an artistic architectural complex in which an artificial waterfall or a complex of small waterfalls is an integral part.
These structures are usually part of recreational (e.g., park) architecture. One of the ways to create cascades is the location of several ponds or reservoirs at different levels, which are interconnected, while the water moves from one reservoir to another along several ledges or steps. The uppermost of them can be fed by any river or natural spring. There is another way - the water is driven up to the beginning of the cascade using pumps.
One of the famous cascades created in the 20th century is the Cascade in Yerevan.
The story of the creation of Cascade
It all started with the fact that at the beginning of the 20th century, academician of architecture A. Tamanyan studied the landscapes of Yerevan, the climatic features of the region, after which design solutions for the development of the city were developed. A little later, the main project was completed - the construction of the Grand Cascade, which includes a building and a park that make up a unique composition and connect the two parts of the city.
Initially (1960) there was built only one artificial waterfall fountain, designed by architect Vardan Yusanyan. An interesting mosaic in the form of fish made of colored pebbles (author - Derenik Danielyan) was laid out on its back wall, and a cover made of red tuff sand was created around.
A larger project began to be implemented in 1971. The height of the entire structure is 118 meters. In 1988, the construction of the cascade was suspended due to an earthquake, and then (1991) and as a result of the collapse of the USSR. Only thanks to a philanthropist from America, Gerard Gafeschyan, the construction was resumed and the cascade of Yerevan was practically completed for several years. Its discovery occurred in 2009. Then, an art center was opened in it.
Monument to A. Tamanyan
The great architect A. Tamanyan has a special sense of beauty. On the monument, the great academician is leaning on 3 stones, among which the left represents classical architecture, the right represents new constructivism, and the famous architect throws a bridge between these two periods, thanks to which he creates the latest modern architecture of the city.
The cascade includes a building and a park that connect two sections of the city.
The essence of Cascade
The full implementation of this project has not yet been completed for financial reasons. The last two upper spans have remained unfinished.
The cascade in Yerevan is the history of Armenia, which can be read through its walls and sculptures. Decorations of fountains and numerous obelisks and statues are ornaments that belong to the most ancient, once completely disappeared state of Urartu. The cascade is rapidly rising upward, developing on an increasing basis and reaching a climax at the very top, where the “Revived Armenia” obelisk is installed. The main idea of the architectural complex is the revival of the nation.
The first exhibition hall is dedicated to the history of Armenia. In it, the artist G. Khanjyan in his painting showed the key moments of the history of the state: the creation of the Armenian script, the struggle for the independence of Vardanank, modern cultural figures and scientists. Georg Khanjyan worked on this work for 14 years, and for free.
Description
This architectural miracle is not only a quiet and calm “relaxation area”, it is a real miracle uniting earth, sky, water and art. A complex of white travertine was built. It organically fit into the landscape of all of Yerevan, perfectly embodying the idea of a garden city. One wants to live in it, enjoy art and nature. The museum complex consists of several unusual architectural solutions.
Climbing the stairs to the top, you can see a stunning panorama of the city center and Mount Ararat - the main symbol of Armenia. The wonderful creation of human hands is the Cascade of Yerevan. How many steps are there in it? It is quite large in height. From the first step to the very top, the height is about 302 meters. The length from the base to the highest platform is 450 meters, width is 50 meters.
Made of milk tufa, Cascade resembles the great ancient buildings. Carved obelisks with images of significant historical events of the city, dating back to the time of Urart civilization, are installed at all sites.
The complex has interesting fountains and pipes, from which water falls down, creating patterns - the national symbols of Armenia and its capital. The total number of steps in the Cascade of Yerevan is 572.
Attractions and events
In the name of the complex lies the essence of the whole composition, descending in steps to the street, which received the name in honor of the famous academician. At the very bottom there is a small public garden 200 meters long. After walking through the park, at the very end you can see the sculpture of Tamyanian, who is diligently studying his brilliant projects.
What is inside the cascade of Yerevan? There are exhibition halls (more than 10), and most of the exhibits are an extensive collection of D. Gafeschyan's contemporary art. Presented here are paintings by Marc Chagall, Andy Warhol, Arshile Gorky, as well as exhibitions of famous Armenian painters.
Museum treasures are stored both in the building of Cascade and on its territory. Quite often, cultural events are held in Cascade: exhibitions, concerts. Here everyone is taught folk dancing. There are around the park and cafes.
Conclusion
When planning a trip to Armenia and Yerevan, you should definitely visit this magnificent art complex. Getting to the Cascade in Yerevan is not difficult, as it is located in the very center of the city.
In its grandeur, this exquisite museum complex can be compared with the famous sights and wonders of the world that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.