The square was known as May Uprising Square (Armenian: Մայիսյան Ապստամբության հրապարակ), named after the failed Bolshevik uprising against the Dashnak government of the First Republic of Armenia in May 1920.

The square is decorated with several fountains with a memorial to the Battle of Avarayr at the central part.

The equestrian statue of Vartan Mamikonian is erected at the centre of the memorial.

The other four statues depict the Catholicos Hovsep I of Armenia, Ghevond Yerets, V. Mamikonian's mother and the prince Arshavir II Kamsarakan.

[2] On 25 June 2016, Pope Francis delivered a Holy Mass at the Vartanants Square.