Tour Program
The true and unique masterpiece of Hellenistic architecture in Armenia is the pagan temple of the Sun, Garni. It is one of the most ancient landmarks in Armenia which has survived since pagan period. The temple is located in Kotayk province, in the village Garni, 35km East from Yerevan. A disastrous 1679 earthquake destroyed the temple. It was reconstructed in 20th century. Nearby is Roman bath with a partly preserved mosaic floor with a Greek inscription,[7] a royal summer palace, the seventh century church of St. Sion and other minor items (e.g., medieval khachkars), the Garni Gorge with well-preserved basalt columns, carved out by the Goght River. This portion of the gorge is typically referred to as the "Symphony of the Stones". It is registered in the list of natural monuments and, consequently, is protected by law. Across the gorge is the Khosrov State Reserve, and a little further Havuts Tar Monastery.
The monastery complex Geghard or Gegardavanq (means a spear in Armenian) is an outstanding medieval architecture that reached us remarkably well- preserved. The beautiful landscape of Geghard is framed with towering cliffs. Decorative art cut into rocks reflects and explains Medieval Ages development throughout the region. The complex was introduced to the history in the 4th century as a sacred spring inside a cave.
Both Garni temple and Geghard monastery are included into the list of UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.