Khor Virap Monastery, Tavush Travel Guide

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Discover Armenia's spiritual heart at Khor Virap Monastery, with stunning views of Mount Ararat and a glimpse into the nation's Christian origins.

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Khor Virap Monastery

Khor Virap Monastery, meaning 'deep dungeon,' is a significant religious site in Armenia, near the village of Pokr Vedi. It is known for its historical importance, stunning views of Mount Ararat, and its role in the conversion of 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.

Dress modestly when visiting the monastery; women should cover their heads and shoulders.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best views of Mount Ararat.
Combine your visit with other nearby attractions like Noravank Monastery or the Areni wine region.
Be prepared for a steep descent into the pit; those with claustrophobia should be aware of the confined space.

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Explore Khor Virap Monastery on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Khor Virap Monastery, mapped for you.

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 sign will likely be in Armenian or Russian. The bus ride to the village of Pokr Vedi, which is about 4 km from Khor Virap, costs around 500 AMD. From Pokr Vedi, you can walk (about 4 km), take a taxi (approx. 1,000-2,000 AMD), or try to hitchhike to the monastery.
Taxi/Ride-share

A taxi or ride-share from Yerevan to Khor Virap takes approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around 4,500-6,000 AMD for the one-way trip. Confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey.
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. Parking is available near the monastery. There are no tolls on this route.

Discover more about Khor Virap Monastery

Khor Virap Monastery is one of Armenia's most visited pilgrimage sites, steeped in history and offering breathtaking views of Mount Ararat. The monastery's name, meaning 'deep dungeon' in Armenian, refers to its history as a royal prison.The site's significance dates back to 642 AD when a chapel was built over the dungeon where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years. Gregory, a key figure in Armenian religious history, was jailed for preaching Christianity during the reign of King Tiridates III, who initially adhered to pagan beliefs. Legend says that Gregory's faith and resilience eventually cured the king of an illness, leading to the conversion of both the ruler and Armenia to Christianity in 301 AD, making Armenia the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion.Visitors can explore the monastic complex, including the St. Astvatsatsin Church (Holy Mother of God), a beautiful example of Armenian medieval architecture built in the 17th century. A narrow staircase leads down to the pit where St. Gregory was held, offering a glimpse into the conditions of his imprisonment. The site also features the St. Gevorg Chapel and fortified walls.Khor Virap is not only a religious site but also offers panoramic views of the Ararat Valley and Mount Ararat, now within Turkish territory. The monastery's location near the ancient city of Artashat adds historical depth to the area.