Yerevan Cascade

Yerevan Cascade
The Yerevan Cascade
General information
Type	staircase
Location	Yerevan, Armenia
Coordinates	40°11′28″N 44°30′56″E
Elevation	118 m (387 ft)
Construction started	1971
Completed	1980
Inaugurated	17 November 2009
Owner	Yerevan Municipality
Design and construction
Architect(s)	Jim Torosyan, Aslan Mkhitaryan, Sargis Gurzadyan

The Cascade (Armenian: Կասկադ, Kaskad) is a giant stairway made of limestone in Yerevan, Armenia. It links the downtown Kentron area of Yerevan with the Monument neighborhood (Arabkir and Kanaker-Zeytun districts). Designed by architects Jim Torosyan, Aslan Mkhitaryan, and Sargis Gurzadyan the construction of the cascade started in 1971 and was partially completed in 1980.

Inside the Cascade, underneath the exterior steps, are seven escalators that rise along the length of the complex. There are also exhibit halls connected to some of the landings along the escalators which compose the Cafesjian Museum of Art.

The exterior of The Cascade features multiple levels adorned with fountains and modernist sculptures from the Cafesjian collection. The stairs afford walkers unobstructed views of central Yerevan and Mount Ararat. At the base of the Cascade is a garden courtyard with statues by contemporary sculptors such as Botero, Lynn Chadwick, and Barry Flanagan.

There are a number of cafes and restaurants on both sides of the Cascade frequented by locals and tourists. Classical and jazz concerts often take place at the Cascade during spring, summer and early autumn, with spectators sitting on the steps.

The top platform of the Cascade houses an obelisk to commemorate 50 years of the Armenian socialist republic, and the Cascade Memorial to the Victims of Soviet Repression, a major memorial dedicated to the remembrance of those that perished in the 1936-8 purges and also to the Armenians deported to Siberia in the late 1940s.

History

Construction began in 1971 during the Soviet era. The first phase was completed in 1980. The second phase began in earnest in 2002 and lasted until 2009. The complex was handed over to the American-Armenian magnate and collector Gerard Cafesjian in the early 2000s during which the complex underwent further renovation. A large museum complex is planned at the zenith but remains stalled and is still in the early stages of construction.

Gallery

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  First level

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  Second level

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  Third level

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  Fourth level from stairs

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  Fourth level

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  Fifth level: "Divers" by David Martin

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  Cascade and park

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  "Mujer Fumando un Cigarrillo" by Fernando Botero

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  "The Cat" (Lo Gato) by Fernando Botero

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  "Roman Warrior statue" by Fernando Botero

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  "Shadows I" sculpture by Jaume Plensa

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  Monument to Alexander Tamanian

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  Nighttime view of Yerevan from the Cascade

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  General view

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  Cascade Memorial and Obelisk, top platform

See also

• Cafesjian Museum of Art
• Potemkin Stairs

References

• Cafesjian Center for the Arts
• About Yerevan Cascade