Geghard Monastery- carved out of rock

The highway to Geghard Monastery starts from Yerevan. It takes you to Geghard passing through several cities, including Garni. On your way, you can admire the landscape of mountainous Armenia with its bright "eastern" colors. When going up it seems the mountains around dominate over the fields, while driving down the road, seems like they are hanging from the sky. Before you manage to enjoy the view, another, more touching and more colorful view opens in front of you, until you get to the most exciting one- the Monastery carved out of rock.

Credits to Hayk Melonkyan

The monastery complex

In the 13th century in the central part of Armenia, within 40 km distance from Yerevan, was built the Monastery of Geghard. The monuments in the territory of the monastery complex date back from 4th to 13th century. It took several decades to build this complex. The reason is that there are around ten buildings made in caves and because people had only hammer and chisel as a construction instrument it took them a long time to complete it. Here you can see the Armenian architectural style and ornaments. The monastery was one of the biggest spiritual centers of Armenia. Among other things listed below it also had a library.

Credits to VvoeVale

What can you see at the monastery complex?

In Geghard monastery complex you can see Avazan cave church (here, inside the church, you might see a huge line of people waiting for their turn to drink water from the natural spring that has a healing power); besides there are Katoghikeh church; Katoghikeh church Gavit; Proshian Chapel-Sepulcher; St. Astvatsatsin (Proshian) church; Papak and Ruzukan Gavit-Sepulcher; Lusavorich cave chapel; Service premises; Residence; Parsonage; Refectory; St. Astvatsatsin cave chapel.

Credits to Hayk Melkonyan

Besides the complex itself, those who are willing to explore this territory might be interested in several 4th-century monuments located beyond the wall of the monastery that have not been restored. One of them is the chapel of Grigor Illuminator.

What else to do?

Before entering the territory of the Geghard monastery complex try your luck: take a small stone, make a wish, and throw it towards the small holes made on rocks by the entrance. If you manage to throw the stone though one of the holes, your dream will come true. Also, do not forget to stop by local grannies who sell traditional sweets by the main entrance. I would highly recommend trying Armenian traditional cake "Gata” that will help you survive hunger before you get to the nearest restaurant to have a proper traditional meal. If you are on your way back from the monastery you will notice the restaurant on the left side of the road after 1-2 minutes of ride.

Credits to YuliaGr

Geghard monastery

Geghard Monastery Road, Goght, Armenië

Temple of Garni

Garni 2215, Armenië