Garni – Geghard – Charents Arch – Symphony of Stones

The Charents Arch monument (designed by architect Rafael Israelyan) was erected in 1957 and draws the attention of everyone heading to Garni. The location for the arch was chosen intentionally – from this spot, one can admire a breathtaking view of the biblical Mount Ararat. The words inscribed on the arch belong to one of Armenia’s most revered poets, Yeghishe Charents (Yeghishe Soghomonyan), who glorified this legendary mountain. That’s why the structure is popularly known as the “Charents Arch.”

The Temple of Garni is located 28 km from Yerevan in the Kotayk Province, in the Azat River Valley, near the village of Garni. Remnants of defensive walls, a royal palace, baths, and, of course, the temple dedicated to the Sun God Mihr (1st century AD), dating back to the Hellenistic era, can still be seen today. From the turn of the era to the Middle Ages, this fortress served as the summer residence of local kings. Due to the terrain and the steep, high basalt cliffs surrounding it, the fortress was virtually impregnable. Naturally, the Temple of Mihr has not been preserved in its original form. Like all of Armenia, Garni lies in a seismically active region.

The Monastery of Geghard is situated 40 km from Yerevan, in the gorge of the Goght River. The very name hints at the complex and turbulent history of this site. The ancient monastery was revered by the local population even before the adoption of Christianity. Caves already existed here, and within them was a miraculous holy spring. According to legend, it was in the 4th century that Saint Gregory the Illuminator founded the monastery here, which became known as Ayrivank (the Cave Monastery). However, during the 9th-10th centuries, the monastery was repeatedly seized by the troops of the Arab Caliphate, looted, and completely destroyed.

Not far from the village of Garni lies the Azat Gorge, famous for the “Symphony of Stones” – the result of ancient volcanic flows. The scientific name for this geological formation is Columnar jointing. The Symphony of Stones consists of enormous hexagonal and pentagonal basalt columns (almost 50 meters tall), whose astonishing symmetry gives the impression they were handmade. Nature sculpted these vertical pillars hanging over the river, creating the illusion of a gigantic musical instrument — a “Basalt Organ.” The Azat River flows through the gorge, its rushing waters enhancing the stony grandeur. This site is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

Cost of a Private Tour (up to 4 people): 20,000 AMD per vehicle

Cost of a Group Tour (6 or more people): 7,000 AMD per person

Departure: 13:30 (after lunch)

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