Private tour: Garni, Symphony of stones, Geghard, Khor Virap – Ararat, Armenia

EXPERIENCE

The monument “Arch of Charents” was created by architect Raphael Israelyan. One day on his way to Garni he stopped at this place and, noticing that a picturesque view opens from there to the Mount Ararat, he decided to build an arch as a “temple” to Ararat. The Arch was constructed in 1957, on occasion of the 60th anniversary of the great Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents. It is said, that the poet was also fond of walking around this place. It is like a picture frame, from where a mesmerizing view opens to the Ararat valley with Masis floating in distance.

The pagan temple of Garni is supposed to be built in 77 AD. It is located in Kotayk region of Armenia at the left bank of Azat River. The temple was dedicated to God Mihr, the Armenian pagan god of light and the Sun. The temple is constructed of grey basalt. It is supported by a total of twenty-four 6.54-metre high columns of the Ionic order: six in the front and back and eight on the sides. The 24 columns symbolize the 24 hours. The complex was strategically built upon a promontory above high cliffs and surrounded by walls, making it a powerful fortress. The complex included a Roman bath, a royal summer palace and a 7th-century church. The Roman bath contains a mosaic crafted from fifteen different colours of natural stone that bears the inscription. “We worked but received nothing”. An earthquake in 1679 completely destroyed the temple and strew the ruins across the site and into the gorge. It took the archaeologists more than 20 years to put the pieces together.

The name “Geghard” means spear in Armenian. For centuries, the Geghard Monastery was the
repository of the actual spear from which the monastery derived its name. Geghard monastery is an
architectural gem among the Armenian churches and monasteries. Founded in the 4th century, it
acquired its present appearance in the 13th century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is
one of the most majestic structures in Armenia.

The Symphony of Stones or “Basalt Organ” is a natural monument located in the basin of the Azat River, in the area of Garni village. It is included in the list of RA natural monuments. The monument consists of huge symmetric hexagon and pentagon basalt columns (nearly 50 meters high), which seem to be handmade due to their amazing symmetry. These stones hanging against the gravity resemble an organ, which explains why it is also referred to as “Basalt Organ Pipes”.

Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion, Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory The Illuminator, who, before converting King Trdat The 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon, over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the religious and cultural history of Armenia on this day trip
Explore a 1st-century pagan temple
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Geghard
See Symphony of stones
Enjoy the best view of the biblical Mount Ararat

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