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Kond: Yerevan's Ancient Heart

Discover Kond: Yerevan's oldest district, a living museum of narrow streets, historic homes, and vibrant street art. A journey back in time.

Kond, one of Yerevan's oldest districts, offers a glimpse into the city's past with its narrow, winding streets, historic stone houses, and vibrant street art. This hidden gem provides a unique and authentic experience, contrasting with the modern capital.

A brief summary to Kond

  • Yerevan, Kentron, AM

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the uneven cobblestone streets and steep staircases.
  • Explore the street art scene, with murals transforming alleyways into open-air galleries.
  • Visit the Surb Hovhannes Church, a rebuilt 18th-century church with historical significance.
  • Take a guided walking tour to learn about Kond's history and culture from a local perspective.
  • Try local cuisine at Kondi Hayat Cafe or The Kond House to experience traditional Armenian flavors.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Republic Square, walk northeast, up the hill towards Saryan Street. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. Enter Kond through the archways and staircases that connect to the surrounding streets. Be prepared for steep inclines and uneven surfaces.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus to Mashtots Avenue near Saryan Street. From there, walk uphill towards Kond. Bus fare is 100 AMD. Alternatively, take the metro to Yeritasardakan station and then walk towards Kond.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Use a ride-hailing app such as Yandex Taxi or GG Taxi to get to Kond. Specify a drop-off point near Saryan or Proshyan streets, as cars cannot navigate the narrow streets of Kond. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs between 600-1100 AMD. Be sure to have cash, as many taxis do not accept card payments.

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Discover more about Kond

Kond, meaning "long hill" in Armenian, is a historic district in the heart of Yerevan, offering a captivating journey back in time. Perched on a hill within the modern Kentron District, Kond's origins trace back to at least the 17th century. Also known as Tepebashi (Turkic for "top of the hill"), it was one of Yerevan's original quarters. Walking through Kond is like stepping into a living museum. The district's maze-like streets, built without formal architectural planning, wind past traditional stone houses, many over a century old. These homes, often constructed with uneven bricks and colorful wooden doors, create a unique architectural environment. Kond has been a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities throughout its history. Armenians, Persians, Azerbaijanis, and Boshas (Armenian Roma) have all called Kond home, contributing to its diverse character. The district was once known for its orchards and grapevines, remnants of which can still be seen today. While Kond has faced challenges such as crumbling infrastructure and lack of modern amenities, it retains a haunting beauty and a strong sense of community. In recent years, street artists have transformed Kond's alleyways into an open-air gallery, adding a contemporary layer to its historical charm. Key landmarks in Kond include the Surb Hovhannes Church, rebuilt in 1710 on the site of a 15th-century church, and the remnants of a 17th-century Persian mosque. The Kond Pedestrian Tunnel, built in the mid-20th century, connects the district to the Hrazdan Gorge and features Soviet-era architectural elements. Despite its somewhat dilapidated state, Kond offers an authentic glimpse into Yerevan's past and a chance to experience the city's soul. Visitors can wander its narrow streets, admire the street art, visit the historic church and mosque, and perhaps even share a cup of coffee with locals.

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