Khor Virap: Armenia's Sacred Monastery with Ararat Views

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Visit Khor Virap Monastery for stunning views of Mount Ararat and a glimpse into Armenia's rich religious history. A sacred pilgrimage site.

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Khor Virap
Khor Virap Monastery

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
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Local tips

Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and have the best lighting for photos of Mount Ararat.
Dress respectfully when visiting the monastery; cover shoulders and knees.
Take a bottle of water, especially if you plan to descend into the pit, as it can get hot and stuffy.
Combine your visit to Khor Virap with other nearby attractions such as Noravank Monastery or the Areni wine region.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Yerevan, take the metro to Sasuntsi Davit station. Exit and look for marshrutka (minibus) #467 heading towards Ararat. The bus departs at 9:00, 14:00, and 18:00. The fare is approximately 500 AMD. Alternatively, take marshrutkas 453 or 454 toward Ararat and get off at Pokr Vedi village. From there, it's about a 4 km walk or taxi ride to the monastery. A taxi from the junction will cost approximately 1,000-1,500 AMD. Be aware that the return bus (#467) to Yerevan runs infrequently, approximately three times a day.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Yerevan. A taxi to Khor Virap will take approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around 4,500-6,000 AMD for a one-way trip. Negotiate the price beforehand or use a ride-hailing app to ensure a fair fare. Some taxi drivers may wait for you to return to Yerevan for an additional fee.
Driving

From Yerevan, head south on the E117 highway for approximately 30 km. Then, take the H11 highway to the right, which leads directly to Khor Virap Monastery. Parking is available near the monastery. Note that parking can be limited during peak season. There are no tolls on this route.

Discover more about Khor Virap Monastery

Khor Virap Monastery, located in the Ararat Valley, is one of Armenia's most visited and sacred sites. The monastery's name, meaning "deep dungeon," refers to the site's history as a royal prison. According to legend, St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here for 13 years by King Tiridates III for preaching Christianity. Miraculously, Gregory survived, and when the king fell ill, Gregory was released and cured him. This led to the conversion of King Tiridates III and the declaration of Christianity as the state religion of Armenia in 301 AD.The monastery complex includes the St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, a 17th-century structure built on the site of a former chapel. Visitors can descend into the pit where St. Gregory was imprisoned, now located beneath the St. Gevorg Chapel. The site also offers breathtaking views of Mount Ararat, making it a popular destination for both pilgrims and tourists.Khor Virap was also a center of education and learning during the Middle Ages. Today, it remains an important symbol of Armenian history, culture, and faith, embodying the nation's longing for its historical homeland. The monastery is a popular location for weddings and baptisms, and visitors may witness these ceremonies.