Hellenistic Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery

Garni is remarkable with a number of historical and architectural monuments of the Hellenistic and early Christian era. The most prominent among them are Garni temple and the fortress of the same name. Moreover, there you will find the ruins of the royal palace and baths built according to the Roman methodology. The museum-reserve is situated on the territory of 5 hectares, 28 kilometers away from Yerevan. In 2011 the complex received the prestigious award of the UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize.

Located several miles from Garni, along the river Azat gorge to the northeast, on the amphitheatre-like slope of steep rocks, amidst severe and majestic nature is Geghard or Geghardavank monastery well-known for its rocky sights. The direction there is shown by the figure of a lioness on a high pedestal standing right at the abrupt turn after which you suddenly see the monastery. The half of the monastic complex is indeed cut from granite monolith. The other half consists of natural grottoes and caves which were used as cells.