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Even if Yerevan has become somewhat chaotic nowadays due to the newly constructed buildings, there is still something unique about it: the view of Biblical mount Ararat, called Masis in ancient times.

Even if Yerevan has become somewhat chaotic nowadays due to the newly constructed buildings, there is still something unique about it: the view of Biblical mount Ararat, called Masis in ancient times.

Ararat is visible from many points and buildings of Yerevan. The role of the mountain was decisive in the creation of the city's master plan in 1924. The entire composition of the city is deployed on the giant two-headed Ararat, thus presenting urban planning and the national natural landscape as a single whole. Alexander Tamanyan, the architect of the capital's general plan, subordinated the whole drama of town planning to the majestic beauty of the mountain. All Armenians, especially repatriates, when buying housing in Yerevan, prefer an apartment with a view of Ararat, which increases the cost of the apartment. 

Unfortunately, strangely enough, the most important point of interest of Yerevan is not inside Yerevan, it’s not even in Armenia. In 1921 the territory of Western Armenia was given to Turkey by government of Soviet Russia, and Ararat remained abroad. Anyway, being a part of historical Armenia,  it had been embedded so strongly in every Armenian’s consciousness that the absence of a view of Ararat can't be imagine and can give birth to existential crisis. 

Ararat helps the Armenian nation survive all the events of history with its eternal presence and never forget about their tasks and dreams. Any Armenian always maintains the hope that this historic injustice will one day be overcome and the sacred mountain Ararat, as one of the symbols of the Christian faith, will be on the Christian land again.

The very best months for a clear view of Ararat are May and September. You will find many places to observe the double peaks of Ararat in Yerevan, but for tourists, the Cascade is the best place to enjoy the view of the mountain and immortalize it in the beautiful picture.