Yerevan Cascade, Monumental stairs in Kentron district, Armenia
Yerevan Cascade is a monumental staircase in the Kentron district of Yerevan, Armenia, rising 78 meters across multiple terraces adorned with sculptures, fountains, and gardens. The structure connects the downtown area with Victory Park and consists of 572 exterior steps alongside internal elevators, built from travertine in Art Deco style.
Armenian architect Alexander Tamanyan conceived the original idea for this complex in 1924. Construction began in 1980 and reached completion in 2009 when the Cafesjian Center for the Arts opened its doors.
The name refers to the cascading arrangement of the terraces that rise one above the other. Visitors encounter outdoor sculptures by contemporary artists from Armenia and beyond, displayed in open spaces across multiple levels.
Visitors can reach all levels using the internal elevators or climb the outdoor steps, with the complex remaining open to the public throughout the day. The lower terraces offer shaded areas to rest, while the upper levels provide open views across the city.
Each terrace displays its own reliefs and patterns carved in travertine stone with Armenian symbols, varying throughout the entire height. The Art Deco design was rare in Soviet-era Armenia, making this approach uncommon for its time.
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