Khor Virap Monastery: Armenia's Sacred Site with Ararat Views
Visit Khor Virap Monastery for stunning views of Mount Ararat and a glimpse into Armenia's Christian history. A sacred pilgrimage site.
Khor Virap Monastery, located in the Ararat Valley, is one of Armenia's most visited pilgrimage sites. Its history is deeply intertwined with the nation's conversion to Christianity. The monastery's name, meaning "deep dungeon," refers to the underground prison where St. Gregory the Illuminator was held captive for 13 years by King Tiridates III. Gregory's imprisonment was a result of his Christian beliefs, which defied the king's pagan practices. According to legend, King Tiridates III suffered from an illness, and his sister had a dream that only Gregory could cure him. Gregory was released, healed the king, and, in turn, converted Tiridates III to Christianity. In 301 AD, Armenia became the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion. The monastery complex includes the St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, built in the 17th century, and the St. Gevorg Chapel, constructed in 642 AD. Visitors can descend into the underground pit where St. Gregory was imprisoned, a significant part of the pilgrimage to Khor Virap. The site also offers breathtaking views of Mount Ararat, making it a popular spot for photography and reflection. Khor Virap was also a center of education and learning during the Middle Ages. The location of the monastery, near the border with Turkey, symbolizes the Armenian people's connection to their historical homeland and the biblical Mount Ararat.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for the best chance to see Mount Ararat without cloud cover.
- Dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, as this is a religious site.
- Bring water, especially during the summer months, as it can get very hot.
- Combine your visit with other nearby attractions like Noravank Monastery or the Areni wine region.
- Be prepared for a steep descent if you choose to enter the underground pit.
A brief summary to Khor Virap Monastery
- near the village of, H11, Pokr Vedi, 0612, AM
- +37493533685
Getting There
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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) with a sign indicating 'Ararat'. The fare is approximately 500 AMD. The bus will take you to the village of Pokr Vedi, where you should get off at the junction leading to Khor Virap. From there, it's about a 4 km walk to the monastery, or you can take a taxi. Alternatively, bus #467 goes directly to Khor Virap at 9:00, 14:00, and 18:00 for 500 AMD.
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Taxi
A taxi from Yerevan to Khor Virap will cost approximately 4500 AMD to 9000 AMD. The journey takes around 40-60 minutes. Negotiate the price beforehand and confirm if the driver will wait for you while you explore the monastery.
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Driving
From Yerevan, head south on the E117 highway for about 30 km. Then, take the H11 road towards Khor Virap. Parking is available near the monastery. Note that parking may be limited during peak season.
