Geghard Monastery

Geghard Monastery is a unique monastic complex, part of whose halls are carved into the basalt rock. It is located near the village of Goght, about an hour's drive from Yerevan and 20 minutes from the pagan temple of Garni.

• Geghard Monastery is a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture. The complex includes several churches and chapels, as well as a number of chambers and caves carved into the rock. The intricate carvings and decorative details on the walls and ceilings are truly breathtaking.
• It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is considered one of Armenia's most important cultural and religious monuments. It dates back to the 4th century; the main chapel was built in the 13th century. The complex was a center of religious and cultural life in Armenia for centuries and is still an active monastery.
• Geghard Monastery is a place of spiritual significance for many Armenians, built on the site of a sacred spring. The name "Geghard" means "spear" in Armenian, referring to the legendary Spear of Longinus (Longinus was the Roman legionary who pierced the crucified Jesus Christ with a spear). It is a pilgrimage site for many Armenians and offers visitors a deeply spiritual experience.
• It is set in a stunningly beautiful location, surrounded by high cliffs on one side and the Azat River gorge on the other. The natural beauty of the area enhances the sense of awe and wonder that visitors to the monastery feel.

History of Geghard Monastery

Geghard Monastery has many legends connected with its history and spiritual significance.

• The Spear of Longinus. According to legend, the spear that wounded Jesus during the crucifixion was brought to Armenia by the Apostle Thaddeus. The spear was kept at Geghard Monastery for several centuries and was believed to have miraculous healing powers. Today the spear is kept in Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia.
• The monastery was originally called Hayravank, which literally means "Cave Monastery". You can still see the monks' cells next to the monastery.
• The first monks settled here in the 4th century, soon after Armenia adopted Christianity.
• In pre-Christian times there was a pagan shrine here.
• The healing power of the sacred spring: the monastery is built on the site of a sacred spring, and the water is believed to have healing properties. According to legend, the water can cure many diseases, and pilgrims came from all over Armenia to drink from the spring and receive spiritual healing.
• Seven churches: It is said that Geghard Monastery originally had seven churches, but today only four remain. Legend has it that the missing churches were destroyed by an earthquake or by invading armies.