Aghjots Monastery: A Medieval Armenian Sanctuary

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Discover a hidden gem of Armenian monastic architecture in the Khosrov State Reserve, near Garni. Explore the serene ruins of Aghjots Monastery.

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Aghjots Monastery

Aghjots Monastery, also known as the Saint Stephen Monastery of Goght, is a captivating 13th-century monastic complex nestled in the Ararat Province of Armenia. Located near the village of Garni and the hamlet of Mets Gilanlar, it offers a serene escape into Armenian history and architecture within the Khosrov State Reserve.

A brief summary to Aghjots Monastery

4R45+P4J, Mets Gilanlar, AM

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and surrounding landscapes.
Dress modestly out of respect for the sacred site and its visitors.
Check the weather before your visit to ensure the best experience exploring the area.

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Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Aghjots Monastery via public transport, begin by taking a marshrutka (minibus) from Yerevan to Garni. These depart from the Yerevan Gai bus station every 4 hours and cost approximately 500 AMD. From Garni, hire a taxi or attempt to find local transport towards Mets Gilanlar; confirm the route leads near Aghjots Monastery. The final half-mile from Mets Gilanlar to the monastery is best covered on foot. Total cost: 500-1000 AMD plus taxi fare from Garni.
Taxi

The quickest way to reach Aghjots Monastery from Yerevan is by taxi. A taxi ride from Yerevan to Aghjots Monastery typically takes around 1 hour and 14 minutes and costs approximately $14-$17 (about 5,600-6,800 AMD). Alternatively, a taxi from Garni to Aghjots Monastery will be significantly cheaper. Use a ride-hailing app like GG Taxi or Yandex Taxi for transparent fares. Note: Prices may vary depending on the time of day and demand.
Car

If driving from Yerevan, take the M1 highway towards the Geghama Mountains. After about 30 kilometers, exit towards Garni and continue to Mets Gilanlar. The monastery is located off the main road; look for local signs. Be aware that the last few kilometers may be on unpaved roads, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended. Parking near the monastery is limited. No tolls are expected. Fuel costs will vary.

Discover more about Aghjots Monastery

Aghjots Monastery, also called Surb Stepanos, is a 13th-century monastery located in the Ararat region of Armenia, about 7 km southeast of Geghard, within the Khosrov State Reserve. According to local legend, Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator) founded the original monastery in the 4th century on the site where Stepanos, an attendant of Hripsime, was martyred. The present monastic complex was constructed in the 13th century. The complex comprises two churches: the Church of Surb Stepanos (Saint Stephen), the main church built between 1212 and 1217, and the Church of Surb Poghos-Petros (Saints Paul and Peter), built in 1270. A gavit (narthex) was added to the complex between 1217 and 1234. The monastery has a rich history, having been sacked by Persians in 1603 and later damaged by the earthquake of 1679. It was restored but fell into disrepair again after invasions in the 18th century and during the Armenian-Tatar massacres of 1905-1906. Architecturally, the main church, Surb Stepanos, features a cruciform interior and a vaulted structure. The Church of Saints Paul and Peter is notable for its reliefs of the apostles Paul and Peter, a rare feature in Armenian architecture, reminiscent of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The walls of both churches are adorned with inscriptions, floral and geometric patterns, and scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Numerous khachkars (cross-stones) dating from the 12th to 17th centuries can be found throughout the site. Today, Aghjots Monastery is included on the watch list of the World Monument Fund.