Southern Observation Belvedere and Ararat Panorama
Why is it significant?
You have arrived at the southern observation terrace of Tsitsernakaberd hill, perched at an elevation of one thousand and sixty meters above sea level. This broad stone belvedere offers one of the most magnificent, unobstructed panoramic vistas of Mount Ararat anywhere in the South Caucasus.
Key Facts
| Place | Southern Observation Belvedere and Ararat Panorama |
|---|---|
| Address | Southern Belvedere, Tsitsernakaberd, Yerevan, Armenia |
| Geo Coordinates | 40.18380, 44.49400 |
| Part of Walk | Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, Hamalir Complex, and National Memory |
| Generated | Generated |
You have arrived at the southern observation terrace of Tsitsernakaberd hill, perched at an elevation of one thousand and sixty meters above sea level. This broad stone belvedere offers one of the most magnificent, unobstructed panoramic vistas of Mount Ararat anywhere in the South Caucasus. Looking across the fertile green carpet of the Ararat plain, the immense volcanic massif rises in breathtaking majesty into the southern sky.
Observe the extraordinary vertical scale of Mount Ararat: Greater Masis rises to 5137 meters, while Lesser Sis reaches 3925 meters, their snowy summits dominating the southern horizon fifty kilometers away. Although situated today across the closed border in Turkey, Ararat remains the sacred spiritual symbol, emotional heart, and national emblem of the Armenian people, featuring prominently in national poetry, art, and the state seal.
According to the Book of Genesis, Noah's Ark came to rest upon the mountains of Ararat after the great floodwaters receded. Ancient Armenian tradition holds that Noah planted the first vineyard in the fertile valley below your feet, giving birth to the nation's millennia-old winemaking heritage. Standing here, you can understand why Armenian poets have described Ararat as a slumbering giant guarding the soul of the nation.
The sweeping view from this peaceful terrace encompasses the entire southern amphitheater of Yerevan, from the winding chasm of the Hrazdan canyon to the industrial districts and airport in the distance. The profound beauty of the landscape instills a deep sense of calm and enduring hope. The timeless beauty of the double-peaked volcanic giant towering over the green vineyards inspires feelings of awe and renewed optimism, reminding every visitor of the millennia-old relationship between the Armenian people and their sacred mountain. The panoramic belvedere offers one of the most sublime viewpoints in all of Armenia, capturing the timeless spirit of the capital.
Walk southwest along the scenic cliffside footpath winding above the basalt cliffs of the Hrazdan Gorge.