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Erebuni Archaeological Museum: Echoes of an Ancient Kingdom

Explore the cradle of Yerevan's history at the Erebuni Archaeological Museum, home to the ancient Urartian fortress and its treasures.

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Delve into Yerevan's deep past at the Erebuni Archaeological Museum, standing at the foot of Arin Berd hill. Explore the excavated ruins of the Urartian fortress Erebouni, founded in 782 BCE, and discover a rich collection of artifacts that illuminate the lives of its ancient inhabitants.

A brief summary to Erebuni Archaeological Museum

Local tips

  • Visit during the weekdays to avoid larger crowds and have a more intimate experience with the museum's exhibits.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven terrain while exploring the archaeological site.
  • Check the museum's opening hours in advance, as they may vary.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Republic Square, take the Yerevan Metro to the Barekamutyun station. From there, catch bus number 74 to Erebuni Square. The museum is a short walk from the bus stop.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Yandex Taxi and GG Taxi offer a direct and convenient way to reach the Erebuni Archaeological Museum. A ride from downtown Yerevan typically takes 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around 1,000-1,500 AMD for a short trip within the city.

  • Walking

    From the Erebuni bus station, it is approximately a 1 kilometer walk to Erebuni Fortress. Walking from central Yerevan is also an option. Start at Republic Square and head southeast along Tigran Mets Avenue. Turn right onto Erebuni Street and follow it until you reach the fortress.

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Discover more about Erebuni Archaeological Museum

The Erebuni Archaeological Museum, established in 1968 to mark Yerevan's 2750th anniversary, offers a captivating journey into the city's ancient roots. Located at the base of Arin Berd hill, the museum provides access to the excavated and partially restored Urartian fortress of Erebouni, founded by King Argishti I in 782 BCE. This fortress-city, predating Rome, was once a vital center of the Urartu Kingdom, a civilization that laid the foundation for modern-day Armenia. Visitors can explore the open-air museum, wandering through the ruins of the citadel and visualizing life in this once-mighty city. The fortress, primarily built from raw bricks, was encircled by strong walls, some sections boasting three rows of defense. The temple of the god Khaldi held a place of prominence within the fortress. The museum itself houses a remarkable collection of over 12,000 artifacts unearthed from the Erebouni site, as well as from the nearby settlements of Shengavit and Karmir Blur. Exhibits include cuneiform inscriptions, remnants of wall frescoes from the Temple of Khaldi, pottery, metalwork, and everyday objects that offer insights into the Urartian civilization. Highlights include a bronze map of the ancient kingdom and a model of the Erebuni fortress. The museum's architecture, designed by Baghdasar Arzoumanian and Shmavon Azatian, with sculptures by A. Harutiunian, reflects the history of the Urartu state. The museum also serves as a center for Urartian studies, offering courses in the Urartian language.

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