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Garni Temple: Armenia's Hellenistic Sanctuary

Explore Armenia's only standing Greco-Roman temple, a testament to ancient pagan traditions and architectural brilliance, nestled in the scenic Garni Gorge.

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The Garni Temple, dating back to the 1st century AD, is a Greco-Roman colonnaded structure located in the village of Garni, Armenia. Dedicated to the sun god Mihr, it is the only pagan temple remaining in Armenia after the country's conversion to Christianity in 301 AD.

A brief summary to Pagan Temple of Garni

  • Monday 9 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-10 pm
  • Friday 9 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the golden hour for stunning photos of the temple and gorge.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Geghard Monastery for a comprehensive cultural experience.
  • Try local Armenian cuisine at nearby eateries, such as khorovats (barbecue) and lavash.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces around the temple and fortress.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Garni Temple from Yerevan, take a marshrutka (minibus) from the Gai Bus Station. Bus numbers 266 and 284 will take you directly to Garni village. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes and costs around 250 AMD. From the village center, it's a short walk to the temple.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Yerevan to Garni costs approximately 3,900 AMD. You can negotiate a round-trip fare with the driver, including waiting time. The journey takes around 40 minutes.

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Discover more about Pagan Temple of Garni

Perched on a triangular promontory overlooking the Azat River Gorge, the Garni Temple is a captivating monument to Armenia's pre-Christian past. Built in the 1st century AD by King Tiridates I, the temple is believed to have been dedicated to Mihr, the Armenian sun god. Its architecture reflects a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles, making it a unique and significant landmark. The temple's design follows the style of classical Greek architecture, featuring 24 Ionic columns that surround a central cella. The columns symbolize the 24 hours of the day. The temple is constructed from local grey basalt, assembled without mortar, showcasing the craftsmanship of ancient Armenian builders. The temple stands on a podium that is 15.7 by 11.5 meters. The interior, though small, likely housed a statue of Mihr. After Armenia adopted Christianity in 301 AD, most pagan temples were destroyed. Garni Temple survived because it was converted into a summer residence for the Arsacid dynasty. In 1679, an earthquake destroyed the temple, but its fragments remained on site. Renewed interest in the site led to its reconstruction between 1969 and 1975. Today, the Garni Temple is a major tourist attraction and a symbol of pre-Christian Armenia. Visitors can explore the temple, Roman bathhouse with mosaic floors, and the surrounding fortress complex.

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