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Sights of Armenia Ararat
Khor Virap Monastery
- RegionArarat
- Distance from Yerevan44.3 km
- TypeMonastery/Church
Ararat
About this place
On the left bank of the Araks River lies Khor Virap, the history of which is closely connected with the period when Christianity was adopted as the state religion in Armenia.
The ""Virap"" was a deep pit filled with snakes, scorpions, and poisonous insects, where the condemned were thrown. According to the historian Agathangelos, King Tiridates III the Great persecuted Christians, among whom was Gregory the Illuminator. By the king's order, Gregory was thrown into the royal dungeon pit in Artashat, where he spent about 14 years. During this time, Tiridates III the Great fell seriously ill, and according to his sister's dream, only Gregory the Illuminator could heal him. By the king's command, Gregory was released, he healed the king, and afterward, with the king’s support, Christianity was proclaimed the state religion.
The Khor Virap monastic complex consists of the churches of Saint Gregory and Holy Mother of God. Khor Virap is an excellent example of a monastery-fortress, combining religious and defensive structures.
Interesting
facts about Khor Virap Monastery
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In addition to being an important pilgrimage site, Khor Virap became a center of education and science from the 13th century onward, where prominent scholars such as Vardan Areveltsi, Esayi Nchetsi, Hovhannes Erzngatsi, Nerses Mshetsi, and others studied.
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In 642, Catholicos Nerses III the Builder constructed the Zvartnots-style church of Saint George over the pit, which unfortunately was destroyed. The current church of Saint Gregory was later built (17th century) on those ruins.
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The opening through which a widow threw bread to Gregory the Illuminator every day for 14 years is located on the eastern side of the pit's ceiling.
Weather in Ararat
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 Khor Virap monastery depends on the weather conditions.
Khor Virap Monastery
FAQ
Where is Khor Virap?
Khor Virap stands on the left bank of the Araks River. Its history is closely tied to the time when Armenia adopted Christianity as its state religion.
What is the story of Khor Virap?
The “Virap” was a deep pit full of snakes, scorpions and poisonous insects where the condemned were thrown. According to the historian Agathangelos, King Tiridates III the Great had Gregory the Illuminator thrown into this royal dungeon pit in Artashat, where he spent about 14 years; when the king fell gravely ill, Gregory was released, healed him, and with the king's support Christianity was proclaimed the state religion.
What can you see at Khor Virap today?
The monastery complex consists of the churches of Saint Gregory and the Holy Mother of God and is a fine example of a monastery-fortress combining religious and defensive structures. The present Church of Saint Gregory was built in the 17th century on the ruins of a church raised over the pit in 642, and the opening through which a widow threw bread to Gregory every day for 14 years is on the eastern side of the pit's ceiling.
Was Khor Virap a centre of learning?
Yes. Besides being an important pilgrimage site, Khor Virap became a centre of education and science from the 13th century onward, where scholars such as Vardan Areveltsi, Esayi Nchetsi, Hovhannes Erzngatsi and Nerses Mshetsi studied.
Can I visit Khor Virap on a tour from Yerevan?
Yes — ONE WAY Tour's tours from Yerevan stop at Khor Virap; they are listed on this page.
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Plan your visit
Address
near the village of, H11, Pokr Vedi 0612, Armenia
Tours
Tours visiting Khor Virap Monastery
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Sights near Khor Virap Monastery
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