Geghard Monastery: Armenia's Spiritual Jewel

• Helloբարև
  [barev]
• Goodbyeբայց
  [bayts]
• Yesայո
  [ayo]
• Noոչ
  [voch]
• Please/You're welcomeխնդրում եմ/չկայ
  [khndrum em/chkay]
• Thank youշնորհակալ եմ
  [shnorhakal em]
• Excuse me/Sorryփախչեցիր
  [pakhchetsir]
• How are you?ինչպե՞ս եք
  [inchpes ek]
• Fine. And you?լավ, ի՞նչ վերջում
  [lav, inch verchum]
• Do you speak English?Անգլերեն խքեք
  [Angleren khkhek]
• I don't understandչեմ հասկանալ
  [chem haskanal]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseԽնդրում եմ ճաշացրած ցանկը տեսնել
  [Khndrum em chashatsrats tsankə təsnel]
• I don't eat meatԵս միս չեմ ուտում
  [Yes mis chem utum]
• Cheers!Շնորհակալել!
  [Shnorhakalel]
• I would like to pay, pleaseԽնդրում եմ վճարել
  [Khndrum em vcharəl]

• Help!Օգնեք
  [Ognək]
• Go away!Հետ գնաք
  [Het gnak]
• Call the Police!Զիջեք ով
  [Ziže ōv]
• Call a doctor!Զիջեք բժիշկ
  [Ziže bžišk]
• I'm lostԲուշ եմ
  [Buš em]
• I'm illԱխորժական եմ
  [Axoržakan em]

• I'd like to buy...Խնդրում եմ գնել...
  [Khndrum em gnel...]
• I'm just lookingմիայն դիտում եմ
  [miayn ditum em]
• How much is it?Ուրիշը էս առնելու
  [Urishə es arnəlu]
• That's too expensiveԱյդ շահ է
  [Ayt shah e]
• Can you lower the price?Արթուր կարելվե՞լ
  [Artur karelvel]

• What time is it?Որ ժամը է
  [Vor žamy e]
• It's one o'clockՄեկ ժամ է
  [Mek žam e]
• Half past (10)Կյանքը տասը
  [Kyankə tasə]
• Morningառավոտ
  [aravot]
• Afternoonառավոտյան
  [aravotyan]
• EveningԵրեկո
  [Erekə]
• Yesterdayերեկ
  [erek]
• Todayայսօր
  [aysor]
• Tomorrowվաղը
  [vaġə]
• 1մեկ
  [mek]
• 2երկու
  [erku]
• 3երեք
  [ereq]
• 4չորս
  [č̣ors]
• 5հինգ
  [hing]
• 6վեց
  [vets]
• 7յոթ
  [yot]
• 8ութ
  [ut]
• 9ինը
  [inə]
• 10տաս
  [tas]

• Where's a/the...?Այստեղ է...
  [Aystegh e...]
• What's the address?Շանաչիքը ի՞նչ է
  [Šanatšikə inch e]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Դուք կարող եք ցուցադրել (քարտեզի վրա)
  [Duk karoġ ek tsutsadrel (kartezə vra)]
• When's the next (bus)?Ի՞նչ ժամանակ է հաջորդը (ավտոբուսը)
  [Inč žamanaək e haǰordə (avtobusə)]
• A ticket (to ....)Բիլետ (մինչեւ ...)
  [Bilet (minčew ...)]

Geghard Monastery, also known as 'Monastery of the Spear,' is believed to have been founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator, who is credited with converting Armenia to Christianity. The site originally housed a sacred spring inside a cave, which became a place of pilgrimage.

The monastery saw significant expansion during the 12th and 13th centuries under the patronage of the Zakarian princes. The main chapel, Katoghike, was constructed in 1215. This period also saw the addition of numerous churches and tombs carved directly into the surrounding cliffs, showcasing unique medieval Armenian architecture.

Geghard Monastery is named after the Holy Lance (Geghard), which is said to have pierced the side of Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. The lance was purportedly brought to Armenia and kept at Geghard Monastery for many years, adding to its spiritual significance.

In the 13th century, the monastery faced threats from Mongol invasions. Despite these challenges, Geghard remained a significant religious and cultural center, protected by its remote and fortified location in the Azat River gorge.

Geghard Monastery is renowned for its intricate khachkars (cross-stones) and carvings, which adorn its walls and courtyards. The site also contains numerous manuscripts and relics, reflecting its role as a center of learning and artistic production during medieval times.

In 2000, Geghard Monastery and the Upper Azat Valley were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing their outstanding universal value. The complex is celebrated for its unique rock-cut architecture and the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Geghard Monastery is located in the Kotayk Province of Armenia, about 35 kilometers east of Yerevan. The nearest international airport is Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan. From Yerevan, you can take a taxi, join a guided tour, or use public transportation. Buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) depart from the Gai Bus Station in Yerevan and head towards Garni; from there, you can take a taxi to the monastery. The entire journey typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.

While in Yerevan, you can easily reach Geghard Monastery by taking a taxi or joining an organized tour. For those relying on public transport, buses and marshrutkas are available but might require a transfer at Garni. Renting a car is another convenient option, giving you flexibility to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. Parking is available near the monastery. For those who prefer a more active approach, consider hiking from Garni to Geghard, enjoying the scenic views along the way.

The official currency in Armenia is the Armenian Dram (AMD). While credit cards are increasingly accepted in Yerevan, it is advisable to carry cash when visiting more remote areas like Geghard Monastery. ATMs are available in larger towns, but it's wise to withdraw enough cash in Yerevan before your trip. Entrance to the monastery is free, but donations are appreciated.

Geghard Monastery is generally a safe destination for tourists. Standard precautions should be taken, such as not leaving valuables unattended and being cautious in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists around Geghard, but it is always best to stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone in remote areas after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The closest medical facilities are in Garni and Yerevan. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Garni and Yerevan where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, as Geghard Monastery is a religious site. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Women should cover their heads when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people politely, a handshake is customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Geghard Monastery like a local, visit during early morning or late afternoon to avoid the tourist crowds. Engage with the local guides; they often have fascinating stories about the monastery's history and legends. Don't miss the chance to explore the nearby Garni Temple and the Azat River Gorge. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it with the fresh spring water available at the monastery.