Sardarapat Memorial

Sardarapat Memorial stands on the Ararat plain near Araks village, where Armenian regular units and volunteers stopped the Ottoman advance in May 1918. Refugees crowded the roads, while Yerevan and Etchmiadzin faced immediate danger. General Movses Silikyan commanded the Yerevan group, Colonel Daniel Bek-Pirumyan directed troops in the field, and Aram Manukyan helped organise the rear. The victory preserved the territory on which the First Republic of Armenia was declared on 28 May.

Construction of the memorial and its bell tower

The memorial opened in 1968 for the battle’s fiftieth anniversary. Architect Rafael Israelyan worked with sculptors Ara Harutyunyan, Arsham Shahinyan and Samvel Manasyan. The 26-metre tower carries six bells recalling the church alarm that summoned people to defence in 1918. The broad spaces between the structures open toward the Ararat plain and Mount Ararat.

Red-tuff winged bulls mark the entrance; beyond them an avenue of eagles leads toward the memorial wall. The memorial wall is decorated with swords, vines, mythical creatures and Armenian ornamental motifs. The architecture archive documents the design.

Armenia Ethnography Museum

The Armenia Ethnography Museum widens the story beyond warfare. Its collections present traditional clothing, carpets, jewellery, tools, furniture, embroidery, photographs and archival documents from different regions of Armenia. See the museum overview and confirm current hours before travelling.

Visit duration and nearby sights

Allow 2–3 hours for the outdoor complex and museum. Carry water and sun protection in summer. From Yerevan, visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral before Sardarapat, then stop at Zvartnots Cathedral on the return. Air travellers can plan the road through the Yerevan airport transfer page.