Geghard Monastery

　　Attraction Introduction    

　　    The monastery complex includes one central church, two cave churches, and one princely tomb. The central church was built in 1215 and remains well-preserved to this day. One of the cave churches was constructed in the 1240s–1250s, located northwest of the central church’s porch; the other cave church was built in 1283. The tomb is situated diagonally above the first cave church, featuring an outer porch and measuring 12 meters on each side. Its structure is formed by four rows of arches intersecting in a grid pattern, with four sturdy stone pillars at the intersections. At the center, a cotton-like dome is topped with a skylight, creating an exceptionally magnificent sight. Both the tomb and its outer porch were built in 1288. Features

　　    Perched against the mountainside and overlooking a river, the monastery boasts a grand and imposing presence. It is said to have been originally established in the 4th century. The current structures date back to the 13th century. Also known as Ayrivank, which means “cave monastery” in Armenian, the site earned its name because most of its buildings were carved directly into the rock.

　　 Yerevan, Armenia