Geghard monastery carved in a monolithic rock (Geghardavank - “spear monastery”).
Armenia is the first country in the world that adopted Christianity. This is why, in the territory of our country one can see a great number of Christian monuments – churches, monasteries, temples that are real masterpieces of the medieval Armenian architecture.
One of these masterpieces is the Geghard monastery carved in a monolithic rock (Geghardavank - “spear monastery”).
Geghard is a monastery complex in the Kotayk region of Armenia 40 km away from Yerevan – located in the gorge of the Gokht River. This unique architectural landmark got its name due to the fact that right here one of the greatest relics of the Christian world was stored - the Longinus spear, with which was pierced the body of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Among many other relics, the spear was brought to Armenia by the Apostle Thaddeus.
At present, the spear is exhibited in the Museum of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Thanks to this, the monastery has become one of the most popular pilgrimage sites for Armenians from around the world.
The uniqueness of this structure is that its halls and floors are cut in a single piece of basalt rock. The monastery was built in the 4th century in the site of a sacred spring. According to the legend, it was founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator.
Geghard was not once ruined due to earthquakes and numerous raids by Arab nomads, anyhow, every time it was restored again.
All the churches of the monastery are also objects of pilgrimage and the main sightseeings of Armenia.
The Geghard monastery complex is included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List.
The excursions and tours to Geghard are very popular and are always included in the tour programs to Armenia.
