WONDERING AROUND YEREVAN: NORTHERN AVENUE

Northern Avenue is one of the most crowded and popular places in Yerevan. In the evenings, especially in summer, it is brimming with life, energy and crowds. And it's not surprising, since this pedestrian street-the only one in Yerevan -connects the two most important squares of the city: Republic Square and Freedom Square (the Opera). The name of the avenue comes from the fact that it stretches north from Republic Square.

Nowadays, it is hard to imagine that only a few years ago there was no Northern Avenue. Until the end of the 20th century, what is now Northern Avenue was a chaotic mass of one-story houses, shacks and buildings of questionable quality made of scrap materials. Even so, the decision to construct Northern Avenue gave rise to a wave of debates among experts and a torrent of complaints from citizens. The avenue was an important part of the general plan of Yerevan, planned as far back as the early 20th century by architect Alexander Tamanyan. However, Tamanyan failed to implement the project, as did many others. Almost a century later, Northern Avenue was finally built, replacing several blocks of city slums.

In keeping with their character, the citizens of Yerevan grumbled quite a bit about the buildings that were being erected on Northern Avenue. They criticized both the style and the planning of the new avenue, and their criticism was often justified. Despite their complaints, people seem to have gotten into the habit of strolling down Northern Avenue as a favorite evening pastime.

There are many reasons for this, two of which are most significant. Firstly the avenue is really convenient. Before, you had to pass through a whole city district to get to Republic Square from the Opera, which took 15-20 minutes. Now it takes only a few minutes. Secondly, pedestrians can wallk freely here without having to worry about cars. Plus, it's a great place to combine pleasure with business. Northern Avenue has quickly become one of the most important business centers in Yerevan. In the short time since it opened, a lot of offices have moved there, coexisting nicely with famous brand name boutiques. So shopaholics-especially brand-conscious ones- can find what they're looking for on Northern Avenue: clothes, shoes, accessories. Of course, the price tags match the brands and the prestige of being located on one of the hottest and most central streets in the capital. In the evening, the hustle and bustle of business life on Northern Avenue gives way to entertainment. Crowds fill its cafes and restaurants, stroll down the wide street, and sit on the benches to watch passersby. You'll come across street musicians, wandering mimes and other creative people here on warm summer evenings. All three Armenian cell phone operators- Viva Cell MTS, Beeline Armenia and Orange Armenia - also have shops on Northern Avenue.

Nearby, there is a underground parking lot with a secret: one of the most interesting places in Yerevan, a biker club called That Place. They used to mostly play rock music, but now they have a diverse program, with entertainment of different genres most evenings. On Thursdays, they host live performances of popular Armenian bands. It is its unpretentious design and friendly atmosphere that make That Place so likeable. There is face- control at the door, though it does not hinder the warm atmosphere, and we daresay even helps establish it. The club has a good soundproofing system, so those walking along Northern Avenue cannot even imagine what fun is taking place underneath.

There is no shortage of places in Yerevan that have been established over the decades as landmarks, but because the city's modern history is relatively short, none of them have gained the prestige of more ancient city symbols. Northern Avenue falls into this category. In all likelihood, it will eventually be inextricably woven into the city's fabric as a major landmark, despite the grumblings of elderly Yerevantsis. After all, Parisians did eventually grow accustomed to the Eiffel Tower.