Nestled near the biblical slopes of Mount Ararat, the Khor Virap Monastery stands as one of Armenia’s most venerated Christian sites — a spiritual beacon and destination for pilgrims from across the world. Though Ararat now lies within Turkish borders, its sacred presence transcends geography; according to the Bible, this was the very mountain upon which Noah’s Ark came to rest after the Great Flood.
The origins of Khor Virap Monastery trace back to the mid-17th century. At its heart stands the Church of the Holy Mother of God, constructed during that same period. But the monastery’s spiritual resonance reaches even deeper — both literally and historically. The name “Khor Virap” translates from Armenian as “Deep Dungeon,” a title rooted in the dark underground prison that lies beneath the site. It was within this pit that Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint of Armenia, was held captive for 13 long years.
Legend tells of a time when King Tiridates III, a devoted follower of pagan deities, discovered that one of his close allies, Gregory, had secretly embraced Christianity. Enraged by what he saw as a betrayal, the king demanded Gregory renounce his faith. When he refused, Tiridates ordered him cast into a dungeon — a sentence meant to end in death. Yet, in 301 AD, the king, stricken by a mysterious and severe illness, was told that only Gregory’s prayers could cure him. Brought from the depths of his prison, Gregory healed the ailing king. In awe of this miracle, Tiridates III converted to Christianity and proclaimed it the state religion of Armenia — making Armenia the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity as its official faith. Gregory was honored with the title “the Illuminator,” a name by which he is revered to this day.
The prison where Saint Gregory was confined is believed to have been built around 180 BCE during the reign of King Artashes I, founder of the Artaxiad dynasty. At that time, this area was home to the ancient Armenian capital, Artashat. Over the centuries, the dungeon underwent various modifications. In the 5th century, a chapel dedicated to Saint Gregory was constructed above it.
Today, visitors to Khor Virap can still descend into the very pit where the saint was held. The entrance to the underground cell, accessible via a steep spiral staircase, lies to the southwest of the Church of the Holy Mother of God. The prison itself is a cavernous pit — approximately six meters deep and nearly four and a half meters wide — a haunting reminder of the trials that shaped the course of Armenian history.
The current church, Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), was built in the late 17th century atop the ruins of an earlier chapel erected in 642 by Nerses III. Its architecture, like many Armenian churches, is marked by austere simplicity — there are no vivid frescoes or opulent embellishments. Instead, it is defined by its spiritual clarity and historical depth.
One striking feature is its unusual orientation. Unlike most Christian churches, which are typically aligned from west to east, this one is aligned north to south — a pattern more often associated with pre-Christian, pagan temples in Armenia. Some scholars suggest this could be a remnant of a much older cult site that once stood atop the dungeon centuries before the rise of Christianity.
Today, the Church of the Holy Mother of God is a functioning place of worship. It hosts regular liturgies, baptisms, weddings, and other important ceremonies, continuing to serve as a living center of faith.
Khor Virap offers more than spiritual insight — it delivers one of the most iconic panoramic views in Armenia. On clear days, Mount Ararat rises majestically in the background, its snow-capped peak towering over the Ararat Valley. The contrast between the monastery’s humble stone silhouette and the grandeur of the mountain makes for unforgettable photographs and quiet contemplation.
When planning a visit, keep in mind that the weather plays a crucial role. Mornings are recommended, especially in summer, as midday heat and crowds from tour buses can diminish the experience. In winter, the site is far quieter, and the snow enhances the crisp outline of Mount Ararat, lending an almost ethereal beauty to the scene.
Khor Virap is located roughly 40 kilometers south of Yerevan. By car, the journey takes about an hour. For those traveling by public transport, minivans (marshrutkas) depart from a lot behind Yerevan’s main railway station. The fare is approximately 1,200 Armenian drams. You can reach the station via the Yerevan metro — the nearest stop is “Sasuntsi Davit.”
Alternatively, buses heading to the town of Ararat also pass nearby. To reach the monastery, ask the driver to stop at the Khor Virap turnoff. From there, it’s about a 4-kilometer walk along the road that winds through the fields toward the monastery’s hilltop perch.
