If you are planning to spend your holiday in Armenia, we suggest you visit Geghard Monastery. It is situated in the Kotayk province of Armenia near the temple of Garni, and you can visit them together.
Related: Temple of Garni
Geghard is partly carved out of a mountain. Saint Gregory the Illuminator founded the monastery complex in the 4th century, but the main cathedral was built in 1215. The monastery was originally called Ayrivank (“the Monastery of the Cave”). Now it is called Geghard (“the Monastery of the Spear”), the name originates from the spear, which had wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion. Apostle Jude brought it to Armenia and now it is displayed in the Echmiadzin treasury.
The Monastery is located at the end of the road, and on your way to the Monastery, you will meet women selling souvenirs and Armenian sweets. Moreover, you can find Armenian sweet pastry Gata here.
Related: Gata: Armenian National Pastry
The complex of the Monastery
Right before the entrance, there are some shallow shelves in the cliff onto which people try to throw pebbles in order to make their wish come true. Inside the church, a holy spring flows, where people throw coins making wishes.
The main church of the complex “Katoghike” was built under the auspices of the brothers Zakare and Ivane. The church is beautifully decorated with carvings. Besides, the vestry is situated west of the church. It was used for teachings and meetings.
The chapel of S. Gregory the Illuminator (formerly the Chapel of the Mother of God – St Astvatzatzin), built before 1177, stands high above the road, a hundred meters away from the entrance to the monastery.
It is worth mentioning that in 2000 Geghard monastery and Upper Azat Valley were included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
We recommend you to visit Geghard Monastery and the Temple of Garni, where you will learn a lot about Armenia, will taste Armenian sweets, will listen to folk songs and get acquainted with our culture and traditions.
