Why is Garni a must-see destination for every tourist visiting Armenia? First, they get a unique opportunity to see a pagan temple that was built in the middle of the 1st century AD. Secondly, here you can see a gem known as the Symphony of Stones. And, finally, it will take only 30 minutes to drive to the village which is a testament to Armenia’s rich culture and traditions.
Garni is a place where time seems to stand still. At the same time, it is a vibrant village with lots of tourists, cafes, and restaurants overlooking the Garni Gorge. If you want to enjoy authentic flavors, stop by stalls of local villagers to buy gata, dried fruits, or sour lavash.
Let’s explore all the wonders that a small village of Garni can offer.
How to Reach Garni?
The village is only 29 kilometers far from Yerevan, so it’s possible to get there taking a short taxi drive. The entire trip will take around 40 minutes. The tourists can also rent a car and drive to the village themselves.
There is also a must-visit stop on the way to Garni. En route to the village, there is an arch that is a tribute to the renowned Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents. The thing is Charents was a real admirer of the beauty of Mount Ararat. The place for the arch was chosen in a way to have the best view of Ararat. If you are lucky with the weather, you can stop by to enjoy the majestic view of the mountain.
The tours featuring Garni usually include a visit to the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery which is only several kilometers far from the village. So, you can plan your day to see 2 masterpieces in one day.
A Glimpse into the Past
To understand Garni fully, we must explore its historical roots. The temple has a unique natural defensive structure. A deep gorge helped the temple be safe from enemy invasions. Meanwhile, a big wall with 14 towers had a defensive function on the other side of the temple.
The excavations prove that since the early Bronze Age up to the Middle Ages, Garni has been serving as a strategic fortress, royal residence, and a rich city. An Urartian inscription made by King Argishti I is located not far from the temple. It’s the first document that mentions the name of Garni.
Garni Temple
Built in the Hellenistic architectural style, the temple stands as a symbol of cultural influences that shaped Armenia’s past. It was probably built by King Tiridates I in the first century AD. There are different views among scholars about the purpose of the monument. Some assume it has been serving as the royal summer house, while others believe it was a tomb and this is the reason it survived the destruction.
According to historical records, the temple built to honor the sun god Mihr was damaged in the 1679 earthquake.
The temple is a peristyle-type structure typical of Hellenistic period architecture with columns on four sides. It stands on a high pedestal, with a nine-step stone staircase in front of its main entrance.
The site includes the temple, a Roman bath, and the summer palace. Interestingly, researchers found a Greek inscription on a partly preserved mosaic floor of the bath.
Symphony of Stones
While traveling to Garni, it’s not possible to miss a chance to watch one of the masterpieces created by nature. Basalt columns rise like ancient pillars and mostly cover the opposite side of the gorge.
The cliffs resembling organ pipes stand as silent performers in an ancient geological concert. The Garni temple is above the gorge creating together a unique blend of human and nature-made pieces of art.
A road that has been recently renovated leads right to the cliff where you can observe the natural wonder.
Why is it unique? The stones with their symmetrical shape look as if they had been made by men. Standing here next to this natural wonder one cannot but hear the whispers of ancient stones.
Garni as a Tourist Site
You can easily find the territory of the temple as the line of buses and minibusses will point the way to the entrance. It is open from Monday and Sunday and the tourists can also have an audio excursion in different languages.
In addition, the Garni Gorge borders the Khosrov Forest State Reserve, an ideal hiking spot. The forest is a protected area with its unique ecosystem. It is also home to endangered species, both plants and animals. The trail offered by the Levon Travel agency starts from Azat River Canyon and ends near the monastery of Havuts Tar.
Dining Options
The picturesque village offers several dining options where you can enjoy the Armenian flavors and the hospitality of the locals.
There are several restaurants overlooking the gorge with nice balconies offering a culinary journey through Armenian cuisine. Here you can try dishes like dolma, khorovats, ghapama, and many others. In some eateries, tourists can watch how local Armenian bread lavash is made in tonir.
Of course, a visit to Garni will not be complete without trying the Armenian traditional pastry: gata or pakhlava. You can also buy a big circle home-made gata sold by the Garni women near the temple.
Traveling to Garni with Levon Travel
The agency offers a dozen tours where Garni takes center stage, ensuring an enriching experience.
The good news is you can have your itinerary tailored to your interests. Whether you want to focus on historical aspects or prefer taking a hiking tour featuring the Symphony of Stones, professional guides are here to help.
With a focus on local experiences, Levon Travel creates a personalized adventure for those seeking to discover Armenia.