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Horomayri Monastery: A Cliffside Sanctuary

Discover the ancient Horomayri Monastery in Armenia, a stunning cliffside complex with rich history and breathtaking views of Debed Canyon.

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Horomayri Monastery, nestled near Odzun village, is a captivating monastic complex dating back to the 7th century. Carved into the cliffs of the Debed Canyon, it offers a unique blend of ancient architecture and stunning natural landscapes.

A brief summary to Horomayri

  • 2JMH+Q2H, Odzun, AM

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the steep and rocky trails leading to the monastery.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike around the area.
  • Visit during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and optimal hiking conditions.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit and avoid the climb in inclement weather.
  • Consider hiring a local guide in Odzun for historical insights and assistance with the trails.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Alaverdi, take a local minibus (marshrutka) towards Odzun. The drivers usually know where to drop you off for Horomayri Monastery. The ride takes about 10-15 minutes. From the Odzun stop, walk towards the signs for Horomayri, approximately a 10-minute walk. A minibus from Alaverdi to Odzun costs around 100-200 AMD.

  • Walking

    From the center of Odzun, head south on the road parallel to the Debed Canyon. After about 2km, look for a small, three-chambered chapel ruin between the road and the cliff edge. From there, you can see the monastery. The path down the cliff to the monastery is steep and requires caution. Metal loops are set in the cliff face at the more difficult points. This hike can take approximately one hour.

  • Taxi

    From Alaverdi, a taxi to Odzun will cost approximately 1500-2000 AMD. Ask the driver to take you to the Horomayri Monastery turnoff or the village of Odzun. From Odzun, you can walk to the monastery following the directions above. Negotiate the fare beforehand.

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Discover more about Horomayri

Horomayri Monastery, located a kilometer south of Odzun in the Lori Province of Armenia, presents a remarkable example of Armenian religious architecture harmoniously integrated with nature. The monastery is divided into two parts: one built atop the cliffs and the other carved into the cliffside, showcasing a unique architectural approach to a challenging terrain. According to tradition, the initial church construction occurred in the 7th century under Byzantine Emperor Heraclius. The name 'Horomayr' possibly originates from the words 'horom' (Greek/Byzantine) and 'ayr' (cave), linked to a Greek Christian named Vasid who converted and founded the first church after witnessing a miracle. Surviving structures mainly date from the late 12th to early 14th centuries. In the 11th century, the monastery gained possession of the relics of Catholicos Peter I of Armenia, leading to the main church being named St. Nshan (Holy Sign). The upper monastery features three connected structures: two single-nave churches of nearly equal size and a narthex between them, creating a symmetrical design. The northern church and the 13th-century narthex are built with yellowish-brown felsite stone, while the southern church, constructed in 1206, uses dark grey basalt stones, giving the complex a distinctive appearance. The lower part of the monastery includes the St. Nshan Church, erected in 1187 by princes Zakare and Ivaneh Zakarians, with a bell tower added in 1290. The entrance showcases a high relief of Jesus Christ. Nearby are another single-nave church and a small chapel built in 1201, along with the St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) chapel built in 1301 and ruins of the St. Apostle chapel. Numerous 13th-century khachkars (cross-stones) are scattered around the complex. Visitors can explore the monastery's cloisters, admire the stonework, and enjoy panoramic views. Hiking trails around the area offer even more vistas.

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