To the north-east, 7km away from Garni, Geghard Monastery stands high up the gorge where the River Azat flows. The monastery is famous for its rock architecture, which rivals the above-ground structures. Geghard stands on the slope of an almost closed Amphitheatre of rocks piercing into the blue of the sky.
The exact date of Geghard’s foundation is unknown. Some researchers believe that “the cave monastery” of Ayrivank was founded early in the IV century. Legends ascribe this to the first Catholicos of Armenia, Gregory the Illuminator. According to the same legends, the monks lived in the caves, using them for cells. It is supposed that Saint Gregory the Illuminator himself, the forbearer of Christianity in Armenia, lived a humble life in one of the caves, too.&nbsp;
The Armenian Church connects the second name of the Monastery, Geghard, to the spear or the Holy Lance with which the Roman legionary pierced the crucified Jesus Christ. The diamond-shaped blade – the tip of the spear is kept in a reliquary at the treasury museum in Etchmiadzin.
In late 920s the friary faced hard times, as the existence of the Monastery became jeopardized: Arab armies attacked Geghard and destroyed it. With caution and care the Monastery was rebuilt and surrounded by defensive walls, but numerous manuscripts were lost forever.
Now behind the strong walls of the fortress are modestly and majestically hidden the main chapel Katoghike, Avazan and The Church of the Holy Mother of God (carved in the rock), the tombs of princes, utility and living areas, cells, the frater, and the spring with pure, sacred water. The 12th-century Church of St. Gregory, the oldest construction half-carved in the rock, stands outside the gates of the Monastery.
The chronicles of Armenian historians tell of solemn temples, comfortable dwellings of the friary and numerous facilities of Ayrivank-Geghard. Here, monks provided shelter and food to latecomer- travellers who dared not cross the Garni gorge in the dark.
The present complex of Geghard Monastery dates back to XII-XIII centuries.
Not only Arab armies encroached on the integrity of Geghard. The monastery has suffered attacks of Mongols, Timurids, and multiple earthquakes as well.
Years later, Geghard was reconstructed and served as the summer residence of the Armenian Catholicoses.
Geghard Monastery and the upstream of the River Azat became the first places in Armenia to be granted the status of designated sites. Since 2000, these monuments are on UNESCO World Heritage List.

Geghard

To the north-east, 7km away from Garni, Geghard Monastery stands high up the gorge where the River Azat flows. The monastery is famous for its rock architecture, which rivals the above-ground structures. Geghard stands on the slope of an almost closed Amphitheatre of rocks piercing into the blue of the sky.

Geghard

Why we love Geghard

Tours and tickets

Bustourma recommends