The Symphony of Stones or “Basalt Organ” is a natural monument located in the basin of the Azat River, in the area of Garni village. It is included in the list of RA natural monuments. The monument consists of huge symmetric hexagon and pentagon basalt columns (nearly 50 meters high), which seem to be handmade due to their amazing symmetry. These stones hanging against the gravity resemble an organ, which explains why it is also referred to as “Basalt Organ Pipes”. The Azat River flows through the gorge, filling the stone splendor with the sound of water.
The well-established transport infrastructure of Armenia allows to get to Garni gorge by a private car or with the help of various travel companies which offer regular excursions and tours to different sights of the country. Due to the geographical location of Garni gorge the trip will not seem long.
The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for Garni gorge depends on the weather conditions.
The monument consists of symmetrically arranged, from the first sight artificial, hexagonal cylinders that extend from the bottom of the gorge to the very tops of the rocks. These wonderful rocks were formed under high pressure conditions due to the cooling and crystallization of volcanic lava.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) helds a contest for the best tourist poster every two years. Summing up the results of the contest in 2013, the poster "Symphony of Stones", presented by Armenia, was chosen as the winner in the category "Europe". The poster was exhibited on the official website of the UN World Tourism Organization, as well as on the wall of the UNWTO UN foyer in Madrid for two years.
GARNI TEMPLE
5 km
HAVUTS TAR MONASTERY
10 km
CHARENTS ARCH
15 km
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