Geghard Monastery, also known as Geghardavank, meaning “Monastery of the Spear,” is a singularly captivating monument of the Armenian Apostolic Church, nestled in the embrace of cliffs that rise sharply along the canyon of the mountain river Goght, not far from Yerevan. A marvel of medieval architecture, this sacred site, with its intricate bas-reliefs, lavishly decorated chapels and monastic cells, ancient family mausoleums, and rock-hewn sanctuaries, has rightfully earned its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Several structures within the complex are carved directly into the rock itself. Dotting the grounds are traditional Armenian khachkars—stone steles with ornate cross carvings. The caves of this monastery have served as humble dwellings for monks as far back as the 6th century. To this day, Geghard remains an active monastic institution, welcoming visitors freely and without time restrictions.
Built around a cave, the monastery is also known as a “cave monastery.” Legend holds that it was founded in the 4th century by Saint Gregory the Illuminator. It is here that a sacred spring, believed to have miraculous properties, first bubbled forth—and still flows today, offering its cool, pristine water to pilgrims.
In the 9th century, the original monastery was destroyed by invading Arab forces. Nothing survived of the first structures, and the monastery’s priceless relics were looted. In the following century, the site was attacked and set ablaze by Turkish raiders.
Later, Queen Tamar of Georgia conquered a portion of Armenian territory, including the land on which the monastery stands. In 1215, under the direction of the Georgian military commanders—the Zakarian brothers—a new principal chapel, Katoghike, was constructed on the ruins of the original site. This sacred building, remarkably, still stands today. The fore-chapel, or narthex, was carved from the rock in 1225. During the early 1200s, the monastic compound was equipped with a water supply system. By the 13th century, more sanctuaries were carved into the cliffside. The complex then came under the patronage of the princely Proshian family, who added further rock-hewn structures: a second church, the family tomb, a gathering hall, and numerous cells.
At various points in history, the monastery fell into neglect, but after Armenia became part of the Russian Empire, restoration efforts were gradually initiated by the monastic community. The monastery’s courtyard and outbuildings underwent reconstruction in the 17th century and again during a major restoration effort between 1968 and 1971.
Surrounding the monastery, trees are adorned with colorful ribbons—tokens of wishes and prayers left by visitors in hopes of divine favor.
The first church structures in the gorge carved by the swift Azat River were established between 302 and 325 CE. During that time, monks hollowed out their dwellings in natural grottoes, which led to the name Ayrivank, meaning “cave monastery” in Armenian. None of those early buildings have survived. In 923, the settlement was looted and burned by Arab invaders.
The complex visible today was built in the 12th and 13th centuries, during the period when the region came under the control of the powerful Zakarid dynasty. Under their patronage, the main church—Katoghike—was constructed in 1215. In 1240, the monastery was purchased by Prince Prosh of the Khaghbakian noble family. During his rule and that of his descendants, several cave chapels were hewn directly into the surrounding cliffs. The entire compound was enclosed within fortified walls.
Since the 13th century, the monastery has been known as Gegardavank—or simply Gegard, meaning “monastery of the spear.” The name refers to a sacred relic once housed here: the tip of the spear that, according to tradition, was used by the Roman centurion Longinus to pierce Christ during the crucifixion. Legend holds that the Apostle Thaddeus brought the relic to Armenia. In 1760, it was transferred to the cathedral at Etchmiadzin, where it remains to this day.
Over the course of more than seven centuries, Gegard has witnessed cycles of decline and renewal. Yet the buildings that comprise the complex have remained intact. In the 1960s, Soviet restorers conducted a careful and extensive renovation of the churches. During the same period, a spring was channeled and a new monastic residence was added.
Today, Gegard is an active men’s monastery. Its cultural and historical value, combined with the striking natural landscape surrounding it, led to its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. Together with the nearby Temple of Garni, it ranks among the most visited landmarks in Armenia.
The monastery includes the Katoghike Cathedral, distinguished by its soaring dome, and a network of chapels, tombs, and churches carved into the cliffs. Some of the sanctuaries are entirely hollowed from rock, while others are more complex, combining walled chambers with rooms that extend deep into the mountainside. The compound also features monastic cells, utility buildings, and a small shop selling handmade crafts and souvenirs. The entire perimeter remains protected by defensive stone walls.
Scattered throughout the courtyard and the surrounding cliffs are numerous khachkars—stone slabs carved with crosses. One of the most notable sites lies on the eastern slope, where the cross-stones are arranged in three vertical tiers. Nearby are the former living quarters of medieval monks, carved directly into the cliff face. Most monastic dwellings from that period were located outside the fortress walls, etched deep into the stone. Both within and beyond the complex, khachkars—these traditional Armenian memorial steles—stand etched in relief against the rock or freestanding across the grounds, silent witnesses to centuries of devotion and craftsmanship.
The monastery grounds encompass cells, chapels, and traditional Armenian khachkars carved into caves and into the very slope of the hill. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by defensive walls on three sides, with a formidable cliff offering natural protection on the fourth. Deeper into the complex, an eastern gateway reveals a second entrance and a charming bridge that crosses a mountain stream.
The monks resided in stone-carved cells beyond the protective walls of Geghard. Around the central cave sanctuaries, more than twenty additional structures were carved into the cliffs—including altars and service chambers.
Katoghike Church
The main and most venerated church of the complex is Katoghike. It stands directly opposite a looming mountain. Architecturally, the church is shaped like a cross set within a square. Its dome also rests on a square base and is adorned with sculptural reliefs depicting animals, birds, and human figures. In the corners of the church are two-story chapels.
Inscriptions preserved on the interior walls of Katoghike provide records of donations made to the monastery by its faithful.
The south façade features carved doors rich with symbolism—pomegranate trees, grape clusters, and doves are etched into the stone. Above the entrance, one can see the emblematic scene of the ruling family: a lion attacking a bull, a heraldic motif of power and dominance.
In addition to the principal church, the complex contains two other cave sanctuaries—Avazan and the Church of the Holy Mother of God.
Gavit Vestry
The vestry, or gavit, was carved directly into the rock between 1215 and 1225 and is connected to the main church. Its stone roof is supported by four solid pillars, and at its center is an oculus through which sunlight pours in. The dome of the gavit is an architectural marvel, adorned with delicate stalactites. This hall once served as a classroom and a gathering place, where pilgrims and guests were also received.
Cave Church with a Spring
The first cave church, hewn from the cliff in the 13th century, stands on the site of a former pagan sanctuary. Inside, beneath the stalactite dome, intersecting arches create a mystical canopy. The southern wall is ornamented with exquisite botanical motifs, carved with astonishing finesse.
Chapel of Saint Gregory
This chapel is carved high into the cliff above the road, some 100 meters above the main monastery entrance. In earlier times, its walls were covered in colorful frescoes, remnants of which still cling to the stone, whispering of its artistic past.
Sacred Relics
The history of Geghard is intimately tied to one of Christianity’s most revered relics—the Spear of Longinus. This sacred weapon, believed to have pierced the side of Jesus Christ during the Crucifixion, is one of the Instruments of the Passion. For centuries, the spear drew throngs of pilgrims from across the Christian world. It was brought to Armenia by the Apostle Thaddeus and is now preserved at the Echmiadzin Treasury Museum.
Geghard was once home to a vast trove of ancient manuscripts. Sadly, many of these irreplaceable works have been lost to time.
Situated 40 kilometers southeast of Yerevan, Geghard lies in a stunning gorge, encircled on all sides by rugged cliffs and cavernous formations. Just before the monastery entrance, a small market offers locally made goods and produce. You can reach Geghard from the Armenian capital in several ways:
By Car: The drive along the H3 highway takes roughly one hour. A paid parking lot is located at the monastery entrance.
By Bus: Take routes No. 265, 266, or 284 from the Yerevan bus station, located behind the Mercedes-Benz dealership. Ride to the village of Goght, then walk approximately 5 kilometers to reach the monastery.
Visitors often pair a trip to Geghard with a visit to the nearby pagan Temple of Garni, built in the 1st century in honor of the Sun God. The distance between the two sites is 10.5 kilometers—a drive of about 20 minutes. Taxis are usually available near both landmarks, ready to take you to your next destination.
