Geghard is one of the most popular sights of Armenia and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The name “geghard” is translated as “spear”, because, as the legend says, a spear was kept right here, by which Jesus Christ was pierced during the crucifixion.
The first monastery at this place was founded in the 4th century, but later it was destroyed by the Arabs. Now there are several churches in the monastery complex, including the cave with a spear.
The origin of the name Geghard
Firstly, the monastery was named Ayrivank which means “the Monastery of the Cave”. The name commonly used for the monastery today is Geghard or Geghardavank which means “the Monastery of the Spear”.
Armenian churches are all distinguished by ascetic decoration. Dim light and twilight in the monastery and somewhere in the dark a spring with cold water sings.
The Katoghike Chapel
The main church is called Katoghike. In spite of the inscriptions dating back to the 1160s, the main church Katoghike was built in 1215 under the rule of the brothers Zakare and Ivane. This church is built against the mountain, and even the interior tells about it.
The Katoghike Chapel carvings
The southern facade of the church Katoghike has amazing carvings. The tympanum is decorated with pomegranates hanging on the branches of the trees and of leaves intertwining with grapes.
Doves are placed between the arch and the outside frame; the doves’ heads are turned to the axis of the portal. Above the portal, you can see a lion attacking an ox, which symbolizes the power of the prince.
How to get to Gegard? Yerevan to Geghard
It takes nearly 30 minutes from Yerevan to Geghard: the road is 39.6 km via H3 road.
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