Geghard Monastery — Attraction in Kotayk Province

The history of Geghard has more than 1500 years. Gegard, being a unique cultural monument, is a world heritage of human culture. According to legend, the monastery was founded in the first decades after the adoption of Christianity as a state religion in 301 by Gregory the Illuminator. However, originally the monastery was a small cave chapel. According to a legend, during the pre-Christian times there was a sacred spring that is why the place was chosen for the construction of the chapel. Hence the original name of the monastery once was Ayrivank, which in Armenian means “cave monastery”. Over the years the complex grew, the number of monasteries increased. In 1215 the main and most prominent monastery Katoghike was built.

The present name of the monastery is associated with a beautiful tradition. According to legend, the monastery of Geghard was named in honor of the spear, with which the Roman legionary pierced the body of Christ on the cross. Translated from Armenian, Geghard means “spearhead”, and Gegardavank means “monastery of spear” respectively. After the crucifixion, the “Longine’s Spear” was taken to the monastery. At present, the main relic of Geghard – the spear – is stored in the treasury of Echmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. In addition to the spear, the relics of John the Baptist and St. Andrew are also kept in the...

The church was built in two different time periods and consists of two main parts. At the beginning of the 13th century, this area was considered a private property of the Zakarian family. This family was one of the richest families in Armenia and ordered the construction of the outer church in 1215 AD. Years later, a family named "Prussians" bought this property from Zakarians and ordered the construction of an inner church.

Outside the church, above the south door, there is the coat of arms of Prince Zakarian's family. This symbol of the royal lion is similar to the royal symbols of the eastern nations. On the right side of the corridor, there are two stone entrances. The entrance on the left (built in 1240 AD) contains a pond that is filled with spring water. On the right side, there is a small church that was built in 1263 and contains four columns and the tomb of Prince "Papak Prussian" and his wife "Hrozakan". On this tomb there is a figure of two chained lions and an eagle as a memorial to this family. It is engraved. On the left side of the stone steps on the 10-meter hill, there is a small church carved out of raw stone. I definitely...

Start from Yerevan Armenia. Cover 40km to reach beautiful, historical, midival, monastery, a World Heritage Site at Geghard. It is famous and a must visit site in Armenia. After covering 30 km one get Garni on the way before Geghard, site of Pagan temple of Garni. Both sites can be covered on a single trip. Come to devine Armenia to see and feel all the historical places and also a country bestowed with immense Naturally beautiful landscapes. The monastery complex came into existence in the 4th century AD. It was founded by Gregory the Illuminator at the site of a sacred spring inside a cave. Main Chapel was constructed in the year 1215. Originally named Ayrivank(Monastery of the Cave), today more fully it is Geghardavank(Monastery of the Spear). Spear used in the crucifixion of Jesus is now in the the Echmiadzin treasury  brought to Armenia by Apostle Jude,called here Thaddeus.The mesmerising panoramic towering cliffs surrounding the monastery are part of the Azat River gorge. Lots of history. More of devinity. Visit and be...