Khor Virap: Armenia's Sacred Monastery with Ararat Views
Discover Armenia's sacred Khor Virap Monastery, a historic pilgrimage site with stunning views of Mount Ararat and a deep connection to Christianity.
Khor Virap, meaning 'deep dungeon,' is a historic Armenian monastery and pilgrimage site. It's famed for its stunning views of Mount Ararat and its historical significance as the site where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before converting Armenia to Christianity in 301 AD, making it the first Christian nation.
A brief summary to Khor Virap Monastery
- near the village of, H11, Pokr Vedi, 0612, AM
- +37493533685
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for the best views of Mount Ararat, as the weather is often clearer then.
- Dress respectfully when visiting the monastery; cover shoulders and knees.
- Take the opportunity to descend into the pit where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned.
- Combine your visit with other nearby attractions such as Noravank Monastery or the Areni wine region.
- Be aware that the climb down to the pit can be challenging due to the steep and narrow staircase.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Yerevan, take the metro to Sasuntsi Davit Train Station. Behind the station, find the Intertown Bus Station and look for a minibus (marshrutka) to Ararat. The bus ride to Ararat costs approximately 500 AMD. From Ararat, you can take a taxi to Khor Virap for around 4500 AMD, or take marshrutka #467 which goes to Khor Virap at 9:00, 14:00, and 18:00 for 250 AMD. Alternatively, you can walk the remaining 1.5 kilometers to the monastery.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Yerevan. A taxi ride directly to Khor Virap will take approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around 4500 AMD for the trip. There is no parking fee at the monastery.
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Driving
From Yerevan, head south on the E117 highway for approximately 30 kilometers. Then, take the H11 road directly to Khor Virap Monastery. The drive takes around 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic. There is no fee for parking at the monastery.
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