Some tourist spots are so iconic that they hardly need any introduction. When planning a trip to Paris, hardly anyone can miss the Eiffel Tower, just as the Sagrada Família in Barcelona or the Colosseum in Rome. Similarly, when traveling in Armenia tourists can hardly miss a chance to visit “a perfect pair”. You can find it in any tourist guide — a sweet couple of Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery. No matter if you are touring Armenia with friends or with a travel agency these two are always on the agenda.
This blog will focus on the Geghard Monastery, a medieval gem that stands out not only for its location. The monastery is on the UNESCO World Heritage site list and is more than just a tourist attraction. It’s a magical place with a tranquil atmosphere and spiritual significance that you can feel once you step inside its walls.
How to Reach Geghard Monastery?
One of the factors that made it a must-see destination is the monastery’s proximity to Yerevan. If you plan a guided tour with an agency, it will take only 40 minutes to get there. Many day trips include Garni Temple, the Symphony of Stones and Geghard. You can opt for a taxi, which takes the same time and costs approximately 6,000 AMD. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Yerevan to Garni and then catch a short taxi ride to Geghard.
Renting a car is also an option and gives you the flexibility to explore the scenic surroundings at your own pace.
Why the Monastery Is Called Geghard?
The name “Geghard” (or Geghardavank, meaning “Monastery of the Spear”) is rooted in a significant religious tradition. The main version is that the name is linked to the spear that pierced the side of Jesus during the Crucifixion, often referred to as the “Spear of Longinus.” According to legend, Apostle Thaddeus brought the spear to Armenia and stored it at the monastery among other sacred relics.
The term Geghard itself translates to “spearhead” in Armenian, symbolizing the spear’s connection to the monastery. The home to the spear is now the Echmiadzin Treasury.
How Was Geghard Built?
All sources suggest the Geghard Monastery was founded in the early 4th century, likely by St. Gregory the Illuminator. The monastery’s initial name was Ayrivank, meaning “Monastery in the Cave”. It is an example of the Armenian medieval architecture. The monastery’s characteristic feature is that most structures were carved directly into the living rock.
According to historians, the monastery suffered several attacks, notably by the Seljuk Turks in 923. This resulted in the destruction of earlier buildings. However, the 12th and 13th centuries saw significant reconstruction under the patronage of Armenian princes from the Zakaryan and Proshyan families.
The main church, Kathoghike, was completed in 1215, featuring a classic Armenian cross-in-square design with a dome supported by vaults. Adjacent to this is a gavit (narthex) built between 1215 and 1225. Here four central columns support a roof with a hole to allow natural light. The surrounding complex includes several rock-cut churches and tombs, including the first rock-cut church. The latter was built before 1250, and the second church was completed in 1283.
The site also holds numerous family tombs, most notably of the Proshyan princes. In te past the monastery also housed a school, a library and a scriptorium.
Some of the rock-cut rooms where monks used to live are preserved. This is why this place is so popular among other things. It may take around two hours to tour even though it’s not very large. Once you climb the stairs you enter monk cells. Besides, there are dozens of khachkars carved into the rocks near the monastery.
Where to Go Near Geghard Monastery?
The Geghard Monastery is surrounded by breathtaking nature with dramatic cliffs and lush greenery. A short hike or a visit to a nearby viewpoint will reward you with panoramic views of the gorge and mountains. One of the spots, when you climb the stairs near the monastery, provides a stunning perspective of the building and the surrounding mountains.
From the territory of the monastery, you can pass through an arch and enter a door that leads to a backyard. There is a large cave with a serene and mysterious atmosphere.
There are numerous kiosks near the monastery where locals sell handmade goods such as traditional gata, fruit lavash and other traditional sweets.
Just a short 20-minute drive away lies the village of Garni. It’s home to the ancient Garni Temple and the nearby gorge. The ancient temple is the only pagan construction built in the area. Meanwhile, the Symphony of Stones is a stunning natural wonder, where towering basalt columns rise from the Garni Gorge, resembling organ pipes. Tourists can enjoy the mesmerizing views, with the temple above and the cliffs below.
Geghard Tours
Geghard is often included in comprehensive tours, as it’s a key part of Armenia’s must-visit tourist spots. Many tour packages, like Levon Travel’s Guaranteed Armenia Tour 2025, combine visits to nearby landmarks like Garni and the Azat Reservoir. The latter is located about 30 minutes from Geghard. It is a peaceful spot surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, ideal for a quick getaway.
Levon Travel’s guaranteed tour will make you see the best that the country can offer in seven days. There is a detailed itinerary for May and September, an ideal season for exploring Armenia.