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Geghard Monastery (Ayrivank)

Included in UNESCO List of World Heritage. Cave carved monastery churches and chapels. Rock of cross-stones.
Type: Monastic complex
Age: IV-XIII cc.
Region: Kotayk
Diocese: Under the auspice of the Mother See
Minimal Walking Distance: 100 metres
Monastery of Geghard (Included in UNESCO List of World Heritage. Cave carved monastery churches and chapels. Rock of cross-stones)

The marvelous monastic complex of Geghard dug in a cave and set up in the mountains by the bank of River Azat (Free) is a breathtaking pilgrimage site. It’s amongst the top tourist sites in Armenia. Full of numerous cells and chapels it still preserves the cell where St. Grigor Lusavorich (St. Gregory the Illuminator) used to isolate himself in prayers. The cave church of St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) of the 4th c. is still accessible by the entrance of the renovated territory of the monastery.

The name Geghard means Lance as the spear that pierced our Lord Jesus Christ’s side during the crucifixion later was brought to Armenia by one of the 12 apostles of Christ – St. Thaddeus (Judas)

The architecture of the monastery is very rich. You can find survivals from the early 4th c. to the Zakarids’ period of late 13th c. The mausoleum of Proshyans is another famous piece of art. Various khachkars (cross-stones), an Armenian phenomenon, can be traced here. The setting of the complex is inspiring and provoking a healthy spiritual retreat.

Miracles/Legends:

There is a miraculous water basin in one of the chapels inside the church that has healing power for even very sick people. There are many cases recorded.

There is also a wonderful legend about how the monastery was built. A brother and a sister from a noble family, who wanted to build a church, asked God to help them to decide the exact location. One morning they saw their hoe stuck on the top of the mountain. Soon after they built a splendid temple in the rock. Till the end of their lives they lived with faith, served the temple and died there.

Geghard Monastery and the surrounding landscape

 

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Visit Geghard Monastery (Ayrivank) via following packages:

Armenia and the Armenians | 14 days, 15 nights

Destinations/Sites: Alex and Marie Manoogian Treasury House MuseumAmberd St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) ChurchEtchmiadzin CathedralEtchmiadzin Cathedral MuseumGandzasar MonasteryGeghard Monastery (Ayrivank)Gyumri St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) ChurchHaghartsin MonasteryHaghpat MonasteryHripsime ChurchKhor Virap MonasteryMarmashen MonasteryMatenadaran after St. Mesrop MashtotzNoravank MonasteryOshakan St. Mesrop Mashtotz ChurchPontifical Residence MuseumSanahin MonasterySevanavank MonasteryTegher Monastery
Regions: Aragatsotn,  Ararat,  Armavir,  Gegharkounik,  Karabakh,  Kotayk,  Lori,  Shirak,  Tavush,  Vayots Dzor,  Yerevan
Dioceses: Aragatsotn,  Araratian Pontifical Diocese,  Artsakh,  Gegharkounik,  Gougark,  Shirak,  Siunik,  Under the auspice of the Mother See
Recommended for: First time visitors with moderate spiritual experience
Apply Now!

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From Noah till Nowadays | 12 days, 13 nights

Destinations/Sites: Amberd St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) ChurchEtchmiadzin CathedralEtchmiadzin Cathedral MuseumGayane ChurchGeghard Monastery (Ayrivank)Gyumri St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) ChurchHaghartsin MonasteryHaghpat MonasteryHayravank MonasteryHripsime ChurchKarmravor ChurchKhor Virap MonasteryMakaravank MonasteryMarmashen MonasteryMatenadaran after St. Mesrop MashtotzMughni Monastery (St. Gevork Monastery)Noratus Khachkar (Cross-Stone) “Forest”Noravank MonasteryOdzun St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) ChurchOshakan St. Mesrop Mashtotz ChurchPontifical Residence MuseumSaghmosavank MonasterySanahin MonasterySevanavank MonasteryShoghakat ChurchVanadzor Srbots Mankants (Holy Children) ChapelYerevan St. Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator) CathedralYerevan Surb Yerrordutiun (Holy Trinity) ChurchZvartnots Cathedral
Regions: Aragatsotn,  Ararat,  Armavir,  Gegharkounik,  Kotayk,  Lori,  Shirak,  Tavush,  Vayots Dzor,  Yerevan
Dioceses: Aragatsotn,  Araratian Pontifical Diocese,  Gegharkounik,  Gougark,  Shirak,  Siunik,  Under the auspice of the Mother See
Recommended for: First time visitors with moderate spiritual experience
Apply Now!

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Tour Designer

Design your tour here.
Holy Nshan Church in Aparan (IV century)
IV Century Churches and Monasteries

Remains of Zvartnots Cathderal
UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Khachkars in the Monastery of Geghard
The Miraculous Khachkars
Hovhannavank Monastery
Hovhannavank Monastery (IV - XIII cc.)
The monastery was founded by St. Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator), who brought the relics of St. John the Baptist and buried them there. That is why the monastery is called Hovhannavank (Monastery of John).
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