What the monuments are
Yerevan’s monuments of friendship commemorate solidarity and cultural ties across national and religious boundaries. The sites covered here are the “Hands of Friendship” in Circular Park, the Armenian-Arab Friendship Monument on the shore of Yerevan Lake, and the Monument of Gratitude in Victory Park. They are public works of art associated with stories of artistic collaboration, refuge, gratitude, and intercultural relations.
History
The “Hands of Friendship”
The origins of the “Hands of Friendship” date to the 1950s, when Cuban sculptor Jilma Madera was working in Carrara, Italy. The unfinished marble hands had initially been intended for a religious statue. In 1963, Carrara’s mayor, Fillipo Martinelli, donated them in honor of the sister city partnership with Yerevan (Visit Yerevan). Armenian sculptor Ara Harutyunyan transformed the hands into a symbol of unity and friendship, shifting their focus from religious to intercultural solidarity.
The work links Armenian, Cuban, and Italian artists. Its creation during a period shaped by post-war global alliances further underscores its message of international unity.
Armenian-Arab friendship
The Armenian-Arab Friendship monuments honor Arab countries, particularly Syria, for providing refuge to Armenians fleeing the 1915 genocide. The bonds formed through shared hardship and generosity continue to underpin diplomatic and cultural ties between Armenia and the Arab world (armheritage.am).
The Armenian-Arab Friendship Monument at Yerevan Lake was initiated in 1997 and unveiled in 2012. More than 200 benefactors, from Armenia and the diaspora, helped realize the project. It was designed by the Mkrtchyan brothers: Levon, the architect; Smbat and Rafik, the sculptors; and Sergey, the painter (armheritage.am; visityerevan.am).
What to see
“Hands of Friendship” in Circular Park
Carved from Carrara white marble and set on black granite, the open hands evoke welcome and mutual respect across religious and national boundaries.
Armenian-Arab Friendship Monument at Yerevan Lake
The monument’s artistic elements include:
- The eagle A symbol of Armenian resilience and hope.
- The pyramid Represents rebirth and the stability provided by Arab nations.
- Stylized Syrian territory Honors Syria’s role as a sanctuary.
- Inscriptions and other features Multilingual plaques in Armenian, Arabic, and English express gratitude. A commemorative bench and a spring-monument add cultural depth.
Monument of Gratitude in Victory Park
Often referred to as the “Monument of Gratitude,” this Victory Park monument is an example of Soviet-era monumentalism. It combines Armenian pink tuff stone with abstract geometric forms to symbolize upward progress and interconnectedness (Monumentalism).
Intersecting pillars and wings suggest a protective embrace. The monument has minimalist stylized carvings and inscriptions in Armenian and Arabic, and is illuminated at night. It stands in landscaped, elevated parkland with panoramic views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat (Kathmandu & Beyond).
Practical visiting information
Locations and opening times
- “Hands of Friendship” Circular Park, near Yeritasardakan metro station in central Yerevan. The open-air site is accessible daily from approximately 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Armenian-Arab Friendship Monument On the shore of Yerevan Lake, near the US Embassy. It is open to the public from sunrise to sunset, year-round.
- Monument of Gratitude Victory Park in northern Yerevan, near the Mother Armenia statue and the Cascade Complex (GoKite Travel). The park is described as typically open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Most monuments are accessible from early morning until dusk.
Entry, accessibility, transport, and facilities
Entry to all the monuments and parks is free.
The “Hands of Friendship” has paved pedestrian paths, though some surfaces may be uneven; the site is generally accessible to visitors with mobility challenges. The Yerevan Lake monument is wheelchair accessible and family-friendly. Most areas at the sites offer paved paths and ramps, but some areas of Victory Park have steep inclines.
The “Hands of Friendship” can be reached on foot, by metro, or by taxi from downtown Yerevan. The Yerevan Lake monument is reachable by public transport or taxi. Victory Park is accessible by bus, marshrutka, or taxi; Marshal Baghramyan metro station is about 1.5 km away.
Victory Park has public restrooms, shaded seating, snack kiosks, and family amenities.
Tours and events
Local operators offer guided tours, including themed tours about Yerevan’s monuments and Armenian-Arab relations. Guided tours of the Yerevan Lake monument are available through local operators and are recommended for an in-depth understanding (visityerevan.am).
The “Hands of Friendship” occasionally hosts cultural activities and guided tours focused on Armenian-Arab history and relations. Check local tourism platforms or Visit Yerevan for event listings.
Tips
- Early mornings and late afternoons offer cooler weather and softer light; spring and autumn are especially pleasant.
- Modest attire is recommended, particularly when visiting nearby religious sites.
- Free Wi-Fi is available in central Yerevan. The local currency is the Armenian dram (AMD); credit cards are widely accepted, but some cash is useful for small purchases (Armenia Travel Practical Info).
- Armenia is considered safe for tourists. Emergency numbers are Police 102, Ambulance 103, and Fire 101 (Absolute Armenia).
- For up-to-date information, consult Visit Yerevan and Armenia Travel. The original guide also recommends downloading the Audiala app.
Nearby places
Near the “Hands of Friendship” are the Blue Mosque, the National Gallery of Armenia, and Circular Park. The Monument of Gratitude is near the Mother Armenia statue and the Cascade Complex. Republic Square is also among the city attractions mentioned in connection with these monuments.
Frequently asked questions
Are the monuments free to visit?
Yes. Entry to all monuments and parks is free.
What are the visiting hours?
The Yerevan Lake monument is open from sunrise to sunset year-round. The “Hands of Friendship” is accessible daily from approximately 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. More generally, most monuments are accessible from early morning until dusk; Victory Park and Circular Park typically open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
How do I get there?
Use Yerevan’s metro, buses, taxis, or walk from city-center landmarks. Detailed routes are available on tourism websites (Wander-Lush).
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Local operators offer themed tours that include these monuments.
Are the sites accessible for wheelchair users?
Most areas offer paved paths and ramps. The Yerevan Lake monument is wheelchair accessible, while some terrain in Victory Park may be steep.
