Soviet-Era Ghosts: Armenian Modernism Tour

Walk through Yerevan’s Soviet-era modernism and uncover how history, identity, and emotion shaped Armenia’s bold architecture in stone, concrete, and powerful forms.
Discover a hidden side of Yerevan through one of the most unique and least-known architectural movements of the Soviet Era.

Armenia’s Modernism is not standard Soviet architecture. Between the 1950s and 1980s, Armenian architects developed a distinctive style that blended modernist ideas with ancient traditions, volcanic stone, monumental forms, and artistic symbolism. Their buildings expressed national identity, memory, and creativity within a modern urban language.

On this guided tour, you will explore 10–12 carefully selected modernist buildings across Yerevan, learning about their history, architectural features, and the people who designed them. You will discover how architecture shaped daily life, public space, and cultural expression in Armenia during the 20th century.

This experience offers a deeper understanding of Yerevan beyond its ancient churches and pink-stone center. You will walk, observe, photograph, and see the city from a new perspective through its modernist heritage.

Tour Highlights

• Explore major modernist landmarks in central Yerevan and nearby districts
• Visit 10–12 sites representing different decades and architectural approaches
• Duration: approximately 2.5–3 hours
• Learn how Armenian culture and landscape influenced Soviet-era architecture
• Notice forms, materials, reliefs, and urban concepts often overlooked
• Designed for architecture lovers, culture travelers, photographers, and urban explorers
• Small-group or private tour format
• Possibility of a café stop or short discussion break

This tour includes

• Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional guides speaking English, Italian, Russian, and more languages
• Clear, well-researched explanations and storytelling
• Printed map handouts of featured sites
• Friendly, flexible, and professional guiding approach

Important information

• The tour includes walking in several areas. Please be prepared for light walking.
• Some buildings are viewed from outside due to private ownership or restricted access.
• Entry into private or gated buildings cannot be guaranteed.
• The itinerary is designed to ensure a meaningful experience regardless of interior access.
• Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and water are recommended.
• Photography is welcome in public areas.

Optional extensions

Important modernist sites also exist outside Yerevan.
Custom extensions, additional locations, or multi-day programs can be arranged in advance based on your interests, time, and agreed budget.

Om de beschikbaarheid te garanderen, dient u zo snel mogelijk te reserveren. Vroegboekkorting is het overwegen waard, vooral als u de reis plant tijdens het hoogseizoen, zoals op feestdagen of in het weekend.

Deze excursie kunt u kosteloos annuleren tot: annuleringstijd voor aanvang van de reis. Bij annulering na: annulering na: annuleringstijd of niet aanwezig zijn op de excursie wordt de volledige prijs van de activiteit alsnog in rekening gebracht. Te laat komen bij het ophalen of vertrekken wordt beschouwd als niet komen opdagen.