Yerevan Cascade
Coordinates: 40°11′28″N 44°30′56″E / 40.19111°N 44.51556°E
| Yerevan Cascade | |
|---|---|
| Կասկադ | |
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| General information | |
| Type | stairwell |
| Location |  Yerevan, Armenia |
| Elevation | 118 m (387 ft) |
| Construction started | 1971 |
| Completed | 2002 |
| Inaugurated | 2009, 17 November |
| Design and construction | |
| Owner | Yerevan Municipality |
The Cascade (Armenian: Կասկադ Kaskad) is a giant stairway in Yerevan, Armenia. It links the downtown Kentron area of Yerevan with the Monument neighborhood. Inside the Cascade, underneath the exterior steps is a couple of escalators going the length of the complex. There are also rooms connected to some of the landings along the escalators which comprise the Cafesjian Museum of Art.
The exterior of Cascade, in addition to stairs has multiple levels with fountains and sculptures. The stairs afford walkers unobstructed views of central Yerevan and Mount Ararat.
History [edit]
Construction began 1971, during Soviet rule, but stopped with the chaos that accompanied the disintegration of the USSR. The complex was purchased by an American-Armenian businessman Gerard Cafesjian in the early 2000s and a complete renovation was performed. A large museum complex was also planned for the top. Although construction began, it was frozen in the early stages and has not continued for years.
