Geghard Monastery is one of the most impressive places in Armenia. Located among the picturesque mountains, it harmoniously fits into the surrounding landscape. The stone walls of the monastery, carved into the rock, create an atmosphere of antiquity and tranquility. The interior is decorated with unique carvings and icons, which makes this place ideal for spiritual solitude and meditation. The natural beauty and historical significance of Geghard leave an unforgettable impression on every visitor.
A great place, the views both inside and outside are impressive. The road from Yerevan is about an hour, dead in places, do not drive.
On the way, I recommend visiting the Charents Arch, the Garni Temple and the Symphony of Stones.
Parking on your car 200 AMD
Geghard or Ayrivank ("cave monastery") in the gorge of the mountain river Gokht. Geghardavank is the "monastery of the spear". It was founded in the IV century on the site of a sacred spring. The source can still be found in the interlacing halls.
The spear of Longinus, brought by the Apostle Faddem, was kept here (now the relic is in the museum of the Echmedzinsky monastery, plus the Vatican, Vienna and Krakow also believe that they have the original one)
Don't be afraid, the pain won't last forever,
There's the guard who took the spear.
Don't be afraid, the cross is given by love
For your salvation.
Between the future and yesterday
By day, the fleeting present,
So life is just a connection of times
In the crosshairs of what is happening.
Why do I want to do this, for God's sake
To live in ignorance and oblivion,
Paying homage to the earthly,
As if he is eternal in the passage of time?"
The monastery is not impressive in scale, but the architectural plan is of interest. Part of the monastery is built right in the rock.
It will be boring without a guide, you will not understand much
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ТаТа_Бел
Level 14 Local Expert
October 7
The temple is hollowed out of the rock - it's impressive.
The monastery was founded in the IV century on the site of a sacred spring originating in a cave. Therefore, it was originally named Ayrivank (arm. Այրիվանք), which means "cave monastery". According to legend, the founder of the monastery was St. Gregory the Illuminator.
The first monastery was destroyed by the Arabs in the 9th century. Nothing of the earlier buildings of Ayrivank has survived. According to medieval Armenian historians, the monastery complex included, in addition to religious buildings, well-equipped residential and office buildings. In 923, Hayrivank suffered very seriously after its capture by Nasr, the vice-regent of the Arab Caliph in Armenia. He looted all valuables, including unique manuscripts, and burned the majestic monastery buildings. Earthquakes led to less significant damage.
Despite the fact that there are inscriptions dating back to 1160, the main chapel was built in 1215 under the patronage of the brothers Zakare and Ivan Zakaryan, military commanders of the Georgian Queen Tamara, under whom a significant part of Armenia was conquered from the Seljuks. The gavit (narthex), partially free—standing, partially carved into the rock, was built earlier in 1225, and the temples carved into the rocks - in the middle of the XIII century. After that, the monastery was acquired by Prince Prosh Khakhbakian, who was the governor of the Zakarians and a representative of the Khakhbakian family. In a short period, the Khakhbakians (Proshyans) built cave structures that brought Geghard deserved fame — the second cave church, the ancestral tomb, jamatun Papak and Ruzakan, a hall for meetings and training (collapsed in the middle of the XX century), as well as numerous cells.
Ah, what an unusual place. It is better to start exploring the culture of Armenia with him. And if you hear acoustics when they sing in the hall of the monastery, you will want to listen endlessly.
The monastery is located in the mountains, all the beauty is hidden inside. It is difficult to convey in words, it is necessary to visit the place to see the beauty and understand the complexity of the construction of the creation by the hands of craftsmen. Admission is free. You can climb the mountains along the paths and admire from above. The paved road has been removed, 6 km will have to be overcome over potholes. But, probably, after a couple of weeks of writing my post, it will already be put down. I recommend you to visit.
It's a very atmospheric place. It is fascinating when you go inside the monastery and realize that it is hand-hollowed out inside the rock. A must-visit. There are beautiful mountains around.
A beautiful monastery of the 4th century. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times. An Armenian shrine. They treat him with reverence. It is included in the UNESCO list. This is my third visit.
One of the most popular destinations for tourism in Armenia. A medieval monastery dating back to 1215.
The name of the monastery complex comes from the spear of Longinus.
Part of the monastery complex is completely hollowed out inside the rocks, which struck me very much on my first visit
And so it is necessary to visit
A magical place, beautiful architecture. The atmosphere of this monastery impresses with its tranquility and tranquility. There are delicious Ghats for sale near the monastery, be sure to take and try it.
It is a very beautiful tourist place. The Geghard Monastery is definitely worth a look, very beautiful, partially located in a rock. The spirit inside the temple is mesmerizing, very authentic. Well, a very tasty homemade gata is sold near the temple.
This is a place of power, I couldn't even imagine so many interesting things, I will definitely come with my daughter to show what places we have in Armenia
Powerful! Spirituality is felt! A person is capable of a lot, even without modern devices! Fantastic acoustics! Slightly refine the infrastructure (parking, atmospheric cafe, audio guides or brochure) and it will be great!
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мария
Level 18 Local Expert
May 30
The first place in the list of the coolest sights of Armenia. The place that really penetrated into the very heart and tears rolled up in my throat. Incredible energy. There is no artificial light in the temple. At first, my eyes got used to the darkness. I walked through this temple twice, lingering on a bench to relax in the main hall. The photos didn't work out. Either blurred or just a black screen. A magical and very powerful place. There are a lot of people, but you freeze, not noticing the crowd. Magic, power, and unexplored energy power. The temple is inside the rock, consists of many compartments on different levels, inside there is a spring with spring water. Mega impressions. I definitely recommend you to visit.
One of our favorite places, our old shrines, churches. Take a walk there, see the caves where people used to hide and live. Geghard (spear). I advise everyone to visit, a wonderful place, just bliss!
A very strong place, there is a feeling of tranquility in the temple, there is a spring inside the temple, you can fill flasks
When I arrived, I found the wedding of the bride and groom from two families (the boy and the girl were about 12 years old, unusual for Russian people)
This place needs to be visited, it is very beautiful! When you realize how much work it cost to build such creations, you bow down to the masters. It's a pity I didn't hear the acoustics in real performance.
Very atmospheric place, beautiful views. The monastery is partially carved into the rock, striking in its uniqueness. You can buy candles in the yard. There is a holy spring, you can bring a bottle with you.
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Александра Боенкова
Level 20 Local Expert
May 23
A monastery carved into a large rock. Inside it, you can collect holy water from the spring. The road leading to the monastery is very uneven, so our bus was shaking violently. There is also a 100 AMD toilet
Now the dome is in the woods, but it's worth it anyway. The atmosphere inside is ancient, I liked it more than all the other monasteries. From an artistic point of view, it is also very interesting.
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Armyanoman
Level 15 Local Expert
May 30
All monasteries and temples in Armenia are beautiful. Geghard is not very impressive at first, and then you walk around the rooms cut into the rock - and it already seems much better.
A beautiful place, in an incredibly picturesque place, above the monastery there are caves that no one forbids to climb. It is worth visiting if it is the first time in Armenia.
It is a very beautiful and unusual place. An example of what a person can do for the sake of his beliefs and faith, a temple carved into a rock is something incredible
A very strong place. Before that, I felt such power only in the Church on Blood in Yekaterinburg. I advise everyone to visit who will be in this wonderful country.
Everyone who comes to Yerevan is simply obliged to visit here in order to feel Armenia and feel the Armenian culture. And also be sure to cross the bridge over the mountain river and look at the gorge where the guests collected pyramids from pebbles - this is a separate admiration!)
A very ancient temple, perhaps on a par with the famous Tatev mountain monastery. We got into a big traffic jam on Saturday, August 21, at least 50-70 cars were traveling with us, including from 2-3 weddings. The 2 levels of the monastery's rocky rooms impress with the zeal of the monks to carve out such beauty of patterns and blooming Armenian crosses in stone. The ceiling height reaches 4 meters and above. The holy spring in the main vestibule of the temple was known even before the appearance of the Christian monastery and was revered by the locals as sacred. The pleasant coolness of the temple and the cold water of the spring (according to many residents of Yerevan, who consider it curative) set up a desire to relax and reflect on the deep antiquity, about the monks who lived and prayed here. It is a pity that they moved to Etchmiadzin, the most ancient relic - the spearhead of Longinus, after whom this monastery was named.
Go up the stairs to the upper round hall, stand in the middle. It has magical acoustics. Sing a couple of high notes. But even if you torture it, it's still a mystical effect. A must-visit in Armenia.
A very beautiful place! The mountains around are fascinating! The temple made a strong impression.
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Гаянэ Апетян
Level 11 Local Expert
May 31, 2023
A very beautiful monastery. It took about 40 minutes by taxi from Yerevan. Among the mountains, stunning views. An interesting tour, there is something to remember.
A unique place, beauty and antiquity to the point of goosebumps. The source is inside
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M
Miaoren
Level 20 Local Expert
June 2, 2023
A very amazing place!. It was founded in the early 13th century. In the century when the Delhi Sultanate was founded, the Ice and Nevsky battles were fought in Russia, the Mughal state was created, 5 crusades took place and much more. And the monastery has been standing since those times.
It's hard to imagine how much time has passed since then!
The monastery in the rock is magnificent.
However, the impression was spoiled by a man who tried to charge us for parking. At the same time, there is no sign / poster indicating that parking is paid.