Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley
Date of Inscription: 2000
Selection criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
Overview: The Monastery of Geghard is a medieval monastery located in the Upper Azat Valley in Armenia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and historical significance.
Prominent Features:
Fun Fact: One of the unique features of the monastery is its acoustic properties. The acoustics in the main chapel are so exceptional that musicians and singers from all over the world come to the monastery to perform and record music. The natural echoes and reverberations in the chapel create a unique and unforgettable listening experience that is difficult to replicate in other venues. In fact, the monastery has become a popular destination for classical music concerts and festivals, with performances taking place throughout the year.
Entry Fees:
How to Reach It:
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in Garni, including guesthouses and hotels. It is also possible to stay in Yerevan and make a day trip to the monastery. Garni is a destination itself, home to the Garni Temple, an ancient pagan temple that dates back to the 1st century AD and is one of the few remaining examples of Hellenistic architecture in Armenia. The temple was dedicated to the god of the sun, Mithra, and was built by King Tiridates I of Armenia.
Selection criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
Overview: The Monastery of Geghard is a medieval monastery located in the Upper Azat Valley in Armenia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and historical significance.
Prominent Features:
- The monastery complex is built into the side of a mountain and features many ancient chapels, churches, and tombs.
- The highlight of the monastery is the main chapel, which is carved out of the rock and features stunning frescoes and carvings.
- The complex also features a museum with exhibits on Armenian history and culture.
Fun Fact: One of the unique features of the monastery is its acoustic properties. The acoustics in the main chapel are so exceptional that musicians and singers from all over the world come to the monastery to perform and record music. The natural echoes and reverberations in the chapel create a unique and unforgettable listening experience that is difficult to replicate in other venues. In fact, the monastery has become a popular destination for classical music concerts and festivals, with performances taking place throughout the year.
Entry Fees:
- There is no entry fee for the monastery complex, but there is a fee for the museum.
How to Reach It:
- The monastery is located about 40 kilometers from Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia.
- The bus ride from Yerevan to the nearby village of Garni takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
- Buses depart regularly from the Kilikia Bus Station in Yerevan, which is located in the southern part of the city near the Sasuntsi Davit Metro Station.
- The bus fare is relatively cheap and can be paid in cash to the driver or conductor.
- Once you arrive in Garni, you can either hike or take a taxi to the monastery. The hike takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on your fitness level and the route you choose. Taxis are readily available in Garni and can take you directly to the monastery entrance in about 10-15 minutes.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in Garni, including guesthouses and hotels. It is also possible to stay in Yerevan and make a day trip to the monastery. Garni is a destination itself, home to the Garni Temple, an ancient pagan temple that dates back to the 1st century AD and is one of the few remaining examples of Hellenistic architecture in Armenia. The temple was dedicated to the god of the sun, Mithra, and was built by King Tiridates I of Armenia.