Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley, Armenia

The Monastery of Geghard is the finest example of Armenian medieval architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Armenia. It comprises religious buildings including churches and tombs that were chiseled out of solid rock, forming part of the landscape, which comprises towering cliffs at the entrance to the Azat Valley.

The Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site during the 24th session of the World Heritage Committee, which met in Cairns, Australia, between 27 November and 2 December, 2000. The site is celebrated for its exceptionally well preserved Armenian monastic architecture and decorative art.

Photos Geghard Monastery

Geghard Monastery, Armenia
Author: Baldiri (Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0)

Geghard Monastery main entrance
Author: Raffi Kojian (Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.5)

Geghard Monastery
Author: Vigen Hakhverdyan (Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0)

Geghard Monastery in winter
Author: de:Mcschreck/Roger Zenner (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)

What to See in Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley

The Monastery of Geghard, carved out of solid rock, must be one of the most impressive sights in Armenia. It was named after the lance that pierced Jesus' side, and is said to have once housed it. There are also several intricately carved khachkars at the monastery. The monastery sits in the Azat valley with sheer cliffs looming up behind it.

Location

The Monastery of Geghard is located in the village of Geghard, which is in Kotayk Province, in central Armenia. It is to the east of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.

World Heritage Site Inscription Details

Location: N 40 9 32 E 44 47 48
Inscription Year: 2000
Type of Site: Cultural
Inscription Criteria: II

Location Map

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Visiting this Site

Geghard is located to the east of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, and is actually quite near to it. You should base your trip in Yerevan, and then make arrangements through your hotel or your hotel tour desk. There will be more tour packages and options to choose from in Yerevan, according to the amount of time you have in your hands. A day-trip should take in Geghard as well as other sights.

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