Republic Square, Central square in Kentron District, Yerevan, Armenia.
Republic Square consists of an oval roundabout whose paving reproduces the pattern of a traditional Armenian rug, and a trapezoid-shaped section with a pool and musical fountains in front of the History Museum and the National Gallery. Five buildings of pink and yellow tuff on basalt bases, including the Government House and the Armenia Marriott Hotel, enclose the space.
Architect Alexander Tamanian designed the square in 1924 with the goal of creating a new center for the Armenian capital. Construction took place in several stages between 1926 and 1977 during Soviet rule over Armenia.
The square's Armenian name, Hanrapetut′yan hraparak, is shortened locally to Hraparak, "the square". It was renamed from Lenin Square by a Yerevan City Council vote on 1 November 1990, after the Soviet Armenian flag was lowered on the Government House on 25 August 1990. The oval roundabout's stone pattern reproduces a traditional Armenian rug.
The square is accessible on foot from many parts of the center and offers several entrances via wide pedestrian walkways. In the evening, visitors often gather around the fountain area, especially during warmer months when the water shows are in operation.
The fountains in the central area perform choreographed water shows in the evening, with water jets synchronized to colored lights and music. On some days the shows run late into the night, and locals bring blankets to sit on the surrounding steps and watch.
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