ARMENIA - Geghard Monastery

Geghard is another incredible medieval Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain, which located in northeast of Garni, higher up the gorge of the Azat river.





On the way to Geghard, we saw a few interesting sculpture or monument by the roadside.





The monastery is located literally at the end of the road where it is surrounded by towering cliff.



A row of vendor stalls lining outside Geghard Monastery, selling round and big Armenian sweet breads, gata.





“Geghard” signboard almost hindered by the stalls.



A big cross embedded in the mountain near Geghard.









Walking up a path to reach the monastery.



My guide told me that whoever who can throw a stone into the hole on the wall, his or her wish will come true. No wonder so many people were trying their luck.



There are some caves and ruins on the left before we entered the entrance. Some people actually climb up to explore these caves.




Taking a photo with two statues and a Armenian cross under the tree shades.



Finally the entrance of the monastery compound is in sight.



Upon entering, the wall was decorated with souvenirs.






Geghard’s miniature is one of the souvenirs sold here.



Postcard.



The monastery was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator at the site of a sacred spring inside a cave. It was originally named Ayrivank (the Monastery of the Cave) at the beginning of 4th century. It was later named Geghard which means “the Monastery of Spear” because it is said that the spear that pierced Christ on the Cross was housed here.



Geghard is near to Garni. Most visitors to Geghard usually also choose to visit the pagan Temple of Garni.



When Armenia was invaded by the Arab enemy (920s), the Arab plundered the site. It was flourished again later by the 13th century when it was rebuilt and the monastery was encircled with fortifications, many of which still survive.



The most ancient structure of the monastery, its main temple as well as the first cave church were built before 1250.



Entrance door to the first rock-cut church.



A gavit (entrance hall) links it with the first rock-cut church.





The gavit was used for teaching and meetings, and for receiving pilgrims and visitors.



The interior of the first cave chamber is lined by two crossed arches with a central stalactite dome.






There are some water in a small pond in the first chamber. It is entirely dug out of the rock.



The spring was really cool and refreshing.



The second cave church – the zhamatun is a roughly square chamber cut into the rock. It was one of the princely tombs hewn in 1283. The carving between the arches shows two lions chained around the necks with their heads turned to the onlooker. Between the lions there is an eagle with half spread wings and a lamb in its claws.










The Katoghike Chapel is the main church built against the mountain, which is not exposed even in the interior.





The carving on the wooden door depicts the spear that pierced Christ.



The jhamatun of Papak and Ruzukan was hewn in 1288 on a second level, which can be reached by an external staircase.









It contains the tombs of the princes Merik and Grigor.









The narrow passage leading to the gavit.





Crosses carved from solid stone in the narrow passage.



The gavit serves as a mausoleum. Of the bodies that were known to have been buried here, the only one left are the tombs of the Proshian prince Merik and Grigor. The rest have disappeared.




The gavit roof is supported by four columns, also carved from solid stone.



At the back of the gavit, there is a small opening that looks down into the Proshian Sepulcher.





It is thought the hole was opened in medieval times so that chanters above could make their music permeate the lower floor.



Modern bee farms in the monastery.



There is a stone staircase outside the church that leads to other chambers.







Numerous khachkars cut on rock surface and on the walls in memory of a deceased or in commemoration of someone’s donation to the monastery are richly decorated.




There is nothing much to see in this chamber. The monks used to bake bread in the hole and the smoke will be released through the pipe.






A lion attacking an ox is a symbol of the prince’s power.











Free spring water for visitors to quench their thirst. My son curious of what my hubby was doing.



Outside the monastery, there is a small river…



… and a small bridge across the river.





The river was almost dry, exposing its rock bed.



Standing on the bridge, Geghard monastery can be seen clearly in the distance.



Oh, look what I found here.



A natural cave.



And I’m not the only ones who discovered it.






People drew on the cave walls and placed some pictures around.




After exploring the cave, we headed back to the monastery.



Obscure view of the monastery from the cave. I’m sure the view will be nice if the trees are not blocking.



It is a beautiful place and I’m glad I came.



Before we left, we purchased a gata (Armenian sweet bread) and some lavash (dried fruit sheet) from a baker outside Geghard Monastery. I love the lavash, its taste was sweet and sour, and the paper thin texture melted in the mouth almost instantly.



The gata was too big for me to finish. Saved some for another day.