Private tour to Garni temple, Geghard Monastery, Symphony of Stones

Garni Temple

1 hour

The pagan temple of Garni was built in the second half of the 1st century by King Trdat III. This is the only pagan temple, which has been preserved on the territory of Armenia. After the adoption of Christianity it became the summer residence of Khosrovadukht, sister of King Trdat III. It was destroyed in 1679 by an earthquake. Parts, fragments of graceful columns and wall stones were spread around the temple. It is supposed that the temple was dedicated to Mithra, the God of the Sun. The temple of Garni is included in UNESCO World Heritage List.

Charent's Arch

30 min

Charents Arch is located near Yerevan, between the pagan temple of Garni and Geghard Christian monastery complex in the village of Vokhchaberd. At first glance, the Arch seems to be the most ordinary and unremarkable, but coming closer, passing to the platform inside the arch and looking at the panorama, everything becomes clear – this is the best place to admire the great and sacred mountain of Ararat, to be in unity with it and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The Monastery of Geghard

1 hour

Geghard Monastery is one of the greatest medieval architectural structures in Armenia. Geghard is completely hollowed out in a cave, it is also called a “cave monastery”. This monastery was founded in the 4th century AD. in place of the sacred spring, originating in the cave. The name of the monastery complex Geghard (spear) comes from the Langin’n spear, which pierced the body of Jesus Christ on the cross. At the moment this spear is kept in the museum of Etchmiadzin. The monastery complex Geghard is included in UNESCO World Heritage List.

Garni Gorge

1 hour

In the province of Kotayk, not far from the village Garni is situated one of the most well-known and beautiful natural monuments of Armenia – Symphony of Stones. It is said that this natural monument is the result of the collapse of the volcanic rocks.The monument consists of huge paradoxically symmetric hexagon and pentagon basalt columns (nearly 50 meters high). These stones hanging against the gravity resemble an organ, which explains why it is also referred to as “Basalt Organ Pipes”. The river of Azat flows through the gorge, thus peppering the mesmerizing beauty of stones with burble. From the territory of the monument you can also enter to Khosrov Forest State Reserve and discover one of the specially protected areas of Armenia.