Garni temple and Geghard monastery. From paganism to christianity

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Garni Temple is the only pagan monument preserved on the territory of Armenia. It is located on the edge of the gorge from where a visitor can enjoy a stunning view of the majestic mountains. The temple is dedicated to Mithra, the pagan god of the Sun. The ornaments decorating the top of the architectural monument amaze with their beauty and complexity. The place was very appreciated by Armenian kings for inaccessibility and excellent climate, so as a result this territory became their summer residence. The whole complex consists of a Roman bath, a royal summer palace and a 7th-century church. The Roman bath contains a mosaic, which is crafted from fifteen different colours of natural stones.

   1 h

2. Driving along the Yerevan-Garni highway, you can see the Charents Arch on the right side of the road on a hill. The monument is named after the great Armenian poet and great patriot Yeghishe Charents. It is believed that he often visited this place and loved to enjoy the fantastic scenery opening from here. Simple at first glance, the stone arch is actually a very interesting monument. The fact is that from here a stunning view of the great biblical mountain Ararat opens all day long. Therefore, the second name of the monument is the Arch of Ararat. This place is a favorite and popular attraction. Tourists visiting Armenia come here to enjoy the breathtaking views and take photos.

   20 min

3. “Symphony of Stones” or “Basalt organ”.The Symphony of Stones or “Basalt Organ” is a natural monument located in the basin of the Azat River, in the area of Garni village. It is included in the list of RA natural monuments. The monument consists of huge symmetric hexagon and pentagon basalt columns (nearly 50 meters high), which seem to be handmade due to their amazing symmetry. These stones hanging against the gravity resemble an organ, which explains why it is also referred to as “Basalt Organ Pipes”. The Azat River flows through the gorge, filling the stone splendor with the sound of water.

   40 min

4. While the main chapel was built in 1215, the monastery complex was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator at the site of a sacred spring inside a cave. The complex is carved into the side of the mountain. It consists of several churches, tombs, a defensive wall and carved crosses (khatckars). Geghard is the Armenian word for lance or spear, reflecting the legend that it housed one of the lances that was associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

   1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 2 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Yerevan

• Its from-price is 32% below the median of the 337 day trips we list in Yerevan.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 169 of 337.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Yerevan

Yerevan is Armenia's pink-stoned capital, a city of wide squares, café terraces and museums, with Mount Ararat standing on its southern skyline.

The city grew around Erebuni, a fortress founded in 782 BC, though most of today's centre was built in the Soviet era from the soft pink and orange tuff that earned Yerevan its nickname, the Pink City. Republic Square is the hub, framed by government buildings and museums. The Cascade, a giant stairway of terraces and sculpture, climbs a hillside, and the Matenadaran holds a famous collection of medieval manuscripts.

Top-ranked sights in Yerevan: Republic Square, Tsaghkadzor Ropeway, Matenadaran (Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts).

See all 769 experiences in Yerevan