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Khor Virap Monastery: A Pilgrimage to History and Faith

Discover Armenia's spiritual heart at Khor Virap Monastery, with stunning views of Mount Ararat and a rich history of faith.

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Khor Virap Monastery, meaning 'deep dungeon,' is a significant religious site in Armenia, famed for its historical prison where St. Gregory the Illuminator was held for 13 years. The site offers stunning views of Mount Ararat and is a major pilgrimage destination.

A brief summary to Khor Virap Monastery

  • near the village of, H11, Pokr Vedi, 0612, AM
  • +37493533685

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting, covering shoulders and knees, as it is a religious site.
  • Visit on a clear day for the best views of Mount Ararat.
  • Descend into the pit to experience the dungeon where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby attractions like Noravank Monastery or the Areni wine region.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Khor Virap from Yerevan, take the metro to Sasuntsi Davit station. Exit and find the Intertown Bus Station behind the train station. Look for marshrutka (minibus) 467 to Pokr Vedi or Ararat. The bus to Pokr Vedi costs approximately 500 AMD. The bus ride to Pokr Vedi takes about 1 hour. From Pokr Vedi, you can take a taxi to Khor Virap for an additional fee. Alternatively, stay on the bus to Ararat, and from there, take marshrutka 467 to Khor Virap, which goes at 11:00, 14:00, and 15:00 for 250 AMD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Yerevan. A taxi ride to Khor Virap takes approximately 40-60 minutes, covering about 43 kilometers. The estimated fare is 4500 AMD. Be sure to negotiate the price or use a ride-hailing app for a fixed fare.

  • Driving

    From Yerevan, head south on the E117 highway. After about 30 kilometers, turn right onto the H11 road, which leads directly to Khor Virap Monastery. The drive takes approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Parking is available near the monastery.

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Discover more about Khor Virap Monastery

Khor Virap Monastery, located near the village of Pokr Vedi and close to the Turkish border, is one of Armenia's most visited and historically significant religious sites. The monastery's name, meaning "deep dungeon" in Armenian, is derived from the ancient prison pit where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years. This imprisonment is a pivotal event in Armenian history, as Gregory's subsequent release and healing of King Trdat III led to Armenia becoming the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD. The monastery complex includes the St. Astvatsatsin Church (Holy Mother of God), built in 1662 on the site of a former chapel. Visitors can descend into the underground pit where St. Gregory was held, offering a tangible connection to the site's history. The site was once a pagan temple. The location of Khor Virap, in the Ararat plain, provides unparalleled views of Mount Ararat, making it a popular spot for photography and pilgrimage. Khor Virap is not only a religious center but also a symbol of Armenian resilience and faith. The monastery embodies the Armenian people's connection to their historical homeland and the biblical Mount Ararat. The complex also includes the Gevorg Chapel, built in 642 CE. The site has undergone several restorations, including major work in the 1970s and 1980s, which restored living quarters, fences, and added an observation deck. Today, Khor Virap stands as a testament to Armenia's enduring Christian heritage and its place in history.

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