The epicentre of the city, Republic Square is where things happen in Yerevan. The square is actually a behemoth of two parts, ringed by some of the most important buildings in the city including the Government House and the History Museum of Armenia. The square was named after Lenin during Soviet times (his statue stood in the square for half a century) but was restored following independence, and that enthusiasm and optimism is palpable even today. The architecture that surrounds the square is gorgeous, an apt setting for historical protests and moments that are remembered forever.