Grand Cascade in Yerevan
The Grand Cascade in Yerevan is one of the main decorations of Yerevan. It consists of 5 outdoor areas and stairs. The height of the building is 450 m, width is 50 m, the slope is 15 degrees, the stairs consist of 572 steps. In 2021, the upper part was still unfinished.
The project was carried out by three architects: D. Torosyan, S. Gurzadyan, A. Mkhitaryan. The practical significance of the monument is to connect the districts of Kentron and Kanaker-Zeitoun. The complex began to be built in 1971. Part of the Cascade was built by 1980.
Inside the building there are exhibitions, beautiful fountains, sculptures, flower beds. At the top of the Cascade there is an obelisk in honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1917 Revolution with a height of 50 m and a viewing terrace. There is a monument to architect A. Tamanyan in front of the building. Near the base there is a courtyard with a small magnificent garden. There are beautiful sculptures in the garden. Numerous restaurants and cafes are located on both sides of the complex. The complex hosts musical concerts featuring jazz or classical music.
The construction of the northern part of the Cascade was planned back in 1924. A. Tamanyan worked on the plan. The cascade was supposed to be a link between the northern part of the city and the center. It was planned to build giant staircases with waterfalls and flower beds on the Kanaker Mountains.
In the 60s, Tamanyan Street was formed, suitable for the base of the building. Wide steps with five platforms rose from it, offering picturesque views of the famous Ararat and the city. The terraces were to become open-air expositions, decorated with fountains and flower beds. It was planned to install escalators. So far, only one has been installed, lifting only two-thirds of the height. Due to a series of large-scale events - the Spitak earthquake, the collapse of the Soviet Union, the armed conflict in Karabakh, and the economic problems of independent Armenia - construction was halted for more than 10 years.
As you know, the Armenian Diaspora is spread all over the world. Its American representative, D. Gafeschyan, sponsored the continuation of the Cascade's construction and landscaping in 2002. The Gafeschyan Art Center was opened in the complex in 2009, and the Aznavour Center in 2011. A sculpture depicting architect A. Tamanyan is installed near the Cascade, and not far from it is a funny Black Cat, the work of an artist from South America F. Botero. The escapade of stairs and terraces, decorated with colorful flower beds and fountains, has not yet been completed, but it can safely be called one of the pearls of Yerevan.
