If you’re in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, and you got a couple of free hours then you definitely need to check out “The Cascade”. This huge complex consists of outdoor gardens, water fountains, numerous sculptures and pieces of artwork, a large monument, and most visibly, an enormous exterior stairway. It’s a great way to get introduced to Armenian culture with its numerous exhibitions and museum. From the very bottom to the top of the Cascade is roughly 1,500 feet/450 meters. Many areas near the top are still under renovation but the views from the top are worth the 572 steps needed to make it to the top. I do believe this is as close to a stairway to heaven as I’ll ever get.
The Cascade complex began construction in the early 70s and but has gone under complete renovation since the early 2000s. It consists of 5 levels and each level offers beautiful sculptures, water fountains, stunning architecture, and an improved view from the last. If walking up all those stairs isn’t your thing, go ahead and take an escalator to the top. There are also plenty of places to rest and just enjoy the view.
If you manage to make your way to the very top the first thing you’ll notice is an enormous monument and a bird’s eye view of Yerevan. Great for photos and don’t forget to bring your wide lens if you have one or use the panorama option on your smart phone. The Cascade is located in the Kentron district near the Yerevan Opera House. There’s plenty to do and numerous cafes to have a drink and people watch. Happy travels.