Geghard Monastery

Geghard Monastery

Kotayk Province

The Monastery complex of Geghard's one of the most outstanding sights in Armenia. The monastery complex of Geghard is undoubtedly a world heritage that is why it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Monastery of Geghard, with its remarkable rock-cut churches and tombs, is an exceptionally well preserved and complete example of medieval Armenian monastic architecture and decorative art, with many innovatory features that had a profound influence on subsequent developments in the region.

Legends about Geghard

The history of Geghard dates back more than 1,500 years. Gegard, being a unique cultural monument, is a world heritage of human culture.

According to a legend, the monastery was founded in the first decades after the adoption of Christianity as a state religion in 301 by Gregory the Illuminator. However, originally the monastery was a small cave chapel. According to a legend, during the pre-Christian times, there was a sacred spring which is why the place was chosen for the construction of the chapel. Hence the original name of the monastery once was Ayrivank, which in Armenian means «cave monastery». Over the years the complex grew, the number of monasteries increased. In 1215 the main and most prominent monastery Katoghike was built.

The present name of the monastery is associated with a beautiful tradition. According to legend, the monastery of Geghard was named in honor of the spear, with which the Roman legionary pierced the body of Christ on the cross. Translated from Armenian, Geghard means «spearhead», and Gegardavank means «monastery of the spear» respectively. After the crucifixion, the «Longine’s Spear» was taken to the monastery. In addition to the spear, the relics of John the Baptist and St. Andrew are also kept in the monastery of Geghard.

Geghard makes your dream come true

Interesting legends and traditions are connected with the monastery. For example, there is a belief that Geghard helps your dreams come true. On the outer walls of the monastery, you can see curious grooves full of pebbles. There is a beautiful belief that if you make a wish, throw a pebble-stone from below and get into a groove, your dream will certainly come true.

Another unique fact that distinguishes the monastery from others is the holy spring that flows right inside the church. People throw coins here, making wishes. The water in the spring is considered holy. People make ablutions, and also fill the bottles with holy water and take with them. 

Architectural miracle

Geghard is primarily famous for its architecture. This «architectural miracle» is literally carved in the depths of rock. On the walls of the ancient temple, you can see remarkable bas-reliefs and unique khachkars, which are carved in memory of the deceased. The symbol of the princely family Proshyan – a lion conquering a bull, is engraved on the walls of the monastery. Inside the temple. there is a spiritual, solemn atmosphere. Thanks to acoustics, during church singing, the monastery is filled with divine, angelic music. Inside the church. there is also the family tomb of Proshyan princes.

The Geghard Monastery was one of the spiritual and cultural centers of medieval Armenia, where besides religious buildings there were also such institutions as schools, libraries, printing houses. The monks lived in cell-caves carved next to the monastery. Monks made a great contribution to the development of calligraphy art. The school at the monastery had a repository of manuscripts.

Private tour to Geghard Monastery

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