Echmiadzin, Zvartnots, Khor Virap, Garni, Geghard – Armavir, Armenia

EXPERIENCE

The word “Echmiadzin” means a place where “the only begotten son of the God descended”. According to a legend, Jesus Christ descended from heaven and indicated the spot for a church to be built. Echmiadzin is the residence of the Supreme Catholicos of all Armenians and the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

From here we will continue to the magnificent Zvartnots Temple constructed in the 7th century. All these churches and the temple are listed on the UNESCO World’s Cultural Heritage Sites.

Our next stop will be the pagan temple Garni, built in the 1st century AD by the armenian king Trdat. The temple Garni is the only monument connected with the era of paganism and Hellenism, dedicated to the sun god Mithra.

Not far from the temple is situated the Monastery Geghard, which was built in the 4th century by The First Armenian Catholicos – Gregory the Illuminator. The name of the monastery originates from the spear of the Roman soldier who pierced the body of Jesus Christ. Now the spear is presented in the museum of Echmiadzin.

Our last destination is Khor Virap monastery, from where a spectacular view opens on the mountain Ararat.
In fact, the name Khor Virap means “deep pit”, named after the prison where st. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years. You can still climb down the pit using a narrow ladder in order to experience its atmosphere.

HIGHLIGHTS

Be transformed back to the times when Armenians converted to Christianity
Admire stunning view of Mount Ararat
Explore the masterpiece of Hellenistic architecture in Armenia – Garni temple
Discover the monastery which name is connected to the spear that killed Jesus

Discover more exciting & fun things to do in Armavir