Route: Garni-Geghard-Simphony of Stones
Rate includes: high qualified, transport services, entrance tickets to Garni
Duration: 6-7 hours
Garni Temple is the only fully restored architectural monument of the pagan and Hellenistic period in Armenia. It was built in 76 ad by king Trdat and served as a summer residence for the Armenian kings. It offers a picturesque view of the Azat river and the Garni gorge. Not far from the Palace was a bathhouse, which was built at the end of the third century ad and is marked by features typical of Roman baths of that time. One of them has preserved a mosaic floor, which is a fine example of the fine art of ancient Armenia.
Geghard monastery–was founded in the IV century on the site of a sacred spring that originates in a cave. This is a two-story temple carved in solid stone with an adjacent Church. Geghard got its name from the spear of Longinus, which pierced the body of Christ. Geghardavank is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited places in Armenia.
Symphony of Stones are basalt rocks in the form of straight pipes and about 100m high. Symphonies are called because they resemble an organ from a distance. Such rocks are formed when the lava hardens sharply: this form is energetically advantageous. There are especially many such rocks in the Azat river gorge, which is listed as a UNESCO site.