Pagan temple Garni and the monastery of Geghard

What awaits you

History of the Garni Temple

You will find out who and when the temple dedicated to the sun god Mithra was built. Consider the Greek mosaic, we will talk with you about the special skill of Armenian architects who performed skillful carvings on basalt. I will tell you about the long journey that the pagan temple has traveled – how it was a royal residence, how it survived even after the adoption of Christianity, how it was destroyed in an earthquake and later restored. You will see the remains of the fortress and the royal palace with Hellenistic mosaics, as well as a bathhouse of the III century.

Geghardavank – “monastery of the spear” of the IV century

Located in the amazingly beautiful Gokht river gorge, the monastery preserves an ancient history and has a special significance for Christians. You will learn the most interesting facts about the life of the monastery, for example, about how the famous Armenian historian Mkhitar Ayrivanetsi lived in one of the cave cells in the XIII century. I'm going to tell you what is unique about the structure, the place of its foundation and the amazing ability to recover from the next destruction. Geghard Monastery is included in the list of intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO.

Organizational details

• Additional payment for the tour is made in cash in drams on the course for the day of the tour
• In addition, entrance tickets to Garni are paid (1500 drams per person).

Meeting place

Start the tour at your hotel. You will know the exact meeting place immediately after booking.