Geghard Monastery

Region

Kotayk

Distance from Yerevan

36.6 km

Type

Monastery/Church

Geghard Monastery is one of the most prominent medieval monastic complexes in Armenia, located about 35–40 km from Yerevan on the Yerevan-Garni-Goght road. According to tradition, it was founded in the early 4th century. In its early years, due to its cave structures, it was called Ayrivank (""Cave Monastery""). The name Geghard (""Spear"") became widespread in the 13th century in honor of the Holy Lance kept there—the spear that pierced Christ. The monastery’s oldest building is outside the main walls to the west: a semi-cave chapel from the 12th century. The main monument group formed in the 13th century includes the main church (Katoghike), an adjoining narthex, two cave churches, a narthex-tomb, and monks' cells. Geghard holds a special place in Armenian rock-cut architecture. A whole complex is carved into the massive northern cliff next to the main church: two small churches and a narthex at the top, and a columned narthex-tomb below. The surrounding area features exquisite khachkars and cave dwellings. The main church (Katoghike) was built by the Zakarian princes in 1215. The narthex, serving as a narthex for the main church, was built between 1215–1225. The first rock-cut church, northwest of the narthex, was built during the reign of Prince Avag, son of Ivane Zakarian, in the 1330s–1250. The second rock-cut church, northeast of the narthex, consists of a church and narthex, built in 1283 under Prince Prosh. The tomb of Papak, son of Prosh, and his wife Ruzukan, carved into the upper part of the rock, was built in 1288. It has a tunnel-like entrance about 10 meters long.