THE REPUBLIC SQUARE

The Republic Square is the focal point of the capital. All major roads of Yerevan lead to the Center -- to the Republic Square -- in line with the city layout built according to the master plan of Yerevan's chief architect, Alexander T'amanian, in the 1920s and 1930s. Many of the government buildings, establishments and ministries are located in the adjacent semicircular buildings of the Republic Square. The semicircular buildings of the Square come together to form a complete composition -- a circle. The construction of the Republic Square itself began in the 1930s and was completed with the History State Museum [containing the treasures of Armenia from ancient to modern times] in the late 1970s. Many key buildings such as the Central Post Office, Hotel Armenia, shopping outlets and foreign banks are also located in the adjacent buildings in and around the Square. During important commemorations and anniversaries [like Independence Day -- September 21 -- or the First Republic Day -- May 28 ] including the New Years celebrations -- the Republic Square becomes an important and jubilant place where people get a chance to celebrate in a jubilant atmosphere. Military parades by the Army are also held in the Republic Square to commemorate the Independence Day.