Khor Virap Monastery: Armenia's Spiritual Heart with Ararat Views

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Visit Khor Virap Monastery for stunning Ararat views and a glimpse into Armenia's Christian history. A sacred pilgrimage site near Yerevan.

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Khor Virap Monastery

Khor Virap Monastery, meaning 'deep dungeon,' is a significant religious site in Armenia, famed for its stunning views of Mount Ararat and its historical connection to St. Gregory the Illuminator, who was imprisoned here for 13 years before converting Armenia to Christianity in 301 AD.

A brief summary to Khor Virap Monastery

near the village of, H11, Pokr Vedi, 0612, AM
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Khor Virap Monastery.

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best lighting for photos of Mount Ararat.
Dress respectfully when visiting the monastery; cover shoulders and knees.
Descend into the pit where St. Gregory was imprisoned to experience the historical significance of the site.
Combine your visit to Khor Virap with other nearby attractions such as Noravank Monastery and the Areni wine region.
Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure clear views of Mount Ararat.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Yerevan, take the metro to Sasuntsi Davit station. Exit and find the Intertown Bus Station behind the train station. Look for a minibus (marshrutka) to Ararat. The bus ride costs around 500 AMD and takes approximately one hour. Get off at the village of Pokr Vedi, at the junction where the road to Khor Virap turns off. From there, you can walk 4 km to the monastery, or take a taxi. Alternatively, bus #467 goes directly to Khor Virap at 9:00, 14:00, and 18:00 for 500 AMD.
Taxi

A taxi from Yerevan to Khor Virap takes approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost is around 4500 AMD. You can also negotiate a round trip with the driver or arrange for them to wait for you. Taxis can be found throughout Yerevan or booked through a ride-hailing app.
Driving

From Yerevan, head south on the E117 highway for about 30 km. Then, take the H11 road to Khor Virap Monastery. The drive takes approximately 40 minutes. Parking is available near the monastery.

Discover more about Khor Virap Monastery

Khor Virap Monastery is one of Armenia's most visited pilgrimage sites, holding immense religious and historical significance. The monastery is located in the Ararat Valley, near the border with Turkey, offering breathtaking views of Mount Ararat. Its name, meaning 'deep dungeon' in Armenian, refers to the site's history as a royal prison.The story of Khor Virap is intertwined with St. Gregory the Illuminator, who was imprisoned here for 13 years by King Tiridates III for preaching Christianity. During his imprisonment, Gregory survived against all odds, and later, he cured King Tiridates of an illness. This miraculous event led to the king's conversion and the declaration of Christianity as the state religion of Armenia in 301 AD, making Armenia the first Christian nation.The monastery complex includes the St. Astvatsatsin Church (Holy Mother of God), a 17th-century structure built on ancient foundations, and the St. Gevorg Chapel, which houses the entrance to the underground prison where St. Gregory was held. Visitors can descend into the pit, experiencing the conditions of St. Gregory's imprisonment.Khor Virap's location offers stunning views of Mount Ararat, a national symbol of Armenia. The site also holds archaeological significance, with evidence of a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Anahit predating the monastery. Khor Virap is not only a pilgrimage destination but also a center of education and learning during the Middle Ages. Today, it remains a place of immense cultural interest, drawing visitors from around the world.