Republic Square is the central square of Yerevan, Armenia, and a natural place to start exploring the city. Locals call it Hraparak, or simply The Square. Its neoclassical buildings are faced in pink and yellow tuff stone, and the colour shifts through the day as the light changes. The Government House, the History Museum of Armenia and the National Gallery stand around it. From spring to autumn, the evening fountain show, with music and light, is the highlight. In winter, the square takes on a festive look with lights and a Christmas tree.
From Lenin Square to Republic Square
The square was laid out by Alexander Tamanian, the architect who guided much of Yerevan's rebuilding in the 1920s and 1930s. Locals still call it Hraparak, which means The Square.
For most of the Soviet period it was Lenin Square. A statue of Lenin, seven metres tall on an 11-metre pedestal, was set up there in late 1940. After independence the statue was taken down, and the square was renamed Republic Square in 1990. In August 1990 the flag of Soviet Armenia came down for the last time over the square, and the banner of independent Armenia went up in its place.
The square has been the setting for many public demonstrations, including the Velvet Revolution in 2018. It has also hosted large concerts, including several performances by the band System of a Down.
The buildings and the two parts of the square
The square has two parts: an oval roundabout and a trapezoid-shaped section with a pool and musical fountains. The buildings around it are neoclassical, decorated with Armenian motifs and faced in pink and yellow tuff stone.
Among them are the Government House, the History Museum of Armenia, the National Gallery, the Armenia Marriott Hotel, the Central Post Office, and the ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Transport and Communications.
The tuff changes colour as the sun moves, so the square looks different at midday and at dusk. The pink tone is the reason Yerevan is often called the Pink City, although many buildings elsewhere in the city are other colours.
The evening fountain show
The musical fountains run from spring to autumn. The show begins around 9 pm, when water, lights and music start together. The music ranges across genres and eras.
On summer evenings people sit on the benches and walk slowly around the pool while the show plays. The show is free to watch. Its exact timing depends on the weather, so check the schedule before you go.
Winter and festival days
In winter the square has a large Christmas tree and holiday lights. A Christmas market is held in the park dedicated to Yerevan's 2750th anniversary, close to the square. It has food, handicrafts and photo booths under the lights.
On holidays and festivals the streets around the square are closed, stages go up, and crowds gather under the open sky. Some days include dance performances on the square.
Walking from the square
Northern Avenue, a pedestrian street lined with shops, cafés and street performers, connects the square to the Opera area. Abovyan Street also starts at the square and is one of the busiest streets in the capital, with cafés, shops and restaurants.
The Cascade, a long stairway with gardens and an art museum inside it, is a short walk away. Its top offers views of Mount Ararat.
Next to the square, the Vernissage market operates on weekends. It sells everything from carpets to old coins and Soviet-era items.
Access and facilities
The square is open at all hours and is good for children. The entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible. Parking is free, both in a lot and on the street nearby.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee for Republic Square?
The square is a public space with no entry charge. The evening fountain show is also free to watch.
When do the fountains run?
The musical fountains run from spring to autumn, with the show starting around 9 pm. The schedule depends on the weather, so check it before your visit.
How long do you need at Republic Square?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes to walk around the square. Plan more time if you stay for the evening fountain show.
Is there parking near the square?
Yes. There is a free parking lot and free street parking nearby, and the parking lot is wheelchair accessible.
