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Garni Temple: Armenia's Hellenistic Jewel

Explore Armenia's only standing Greco-Roman temple, a majestic monument to a rich pagan past, offering stunning views and historical insights.

Garni Temple, located in the village of Garni, Armenia, is a classical Greco-Roman colonnaded structure. It is the only standing pagan temple in Armenia, built in the 1st century AD, likely by King Tiridates I. Dedicated to the sun god Mihr, it stands as a symbol of pre-Christian Armenia and a testament to the region's ancient ties to Greek and Roman civilizations.

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  • Garni, AM

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photography.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Geghard Monastery and the Symphony of Stones for a comprehensive cultural experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you may want to explore the surrounding gorge and the Symphony of Stones.
  • Try local Armenian cuisine at nearby eateries, such as khorovats (barbecue) and lavash.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Garni Temple from Yerevan by public transport, take bus number 266 or 284 from the Gai Bus Station, located near the Mercedes-Benz dealership on Gai Avenue. A taxi from the city center to Gai Bus Station will cost approximately 1,200 AMD - 2,000 AMD. The bus journey to Garni takes about 40-50 minutes and costs around 500 AMD. From the Garni bus stop in the village center, it's either a walk or a short taxi ride to the temple.

  • Taxi

    A taxi directly from Yerevan to Garni Temple takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Using a taxi app such as GG or Yandex, the fare will be around 3,300 AMD. Street taxis may cost more, so it's best to negotiate the price beforehand. Parking is available near the temple entrance.

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The Temple of Garni, a remarkable monument of Hellenistic architecture, is situated in the village of Garni in central Armenia, approximately 30 km east of Yerevan. Perched on a triangular cape overlooking the Azat River and Geghama mountains, the temple occupies a strategic location that has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Constructed in the 1st century AD, likely during the reign of King Tiridates I, the temple is believed to have been dedicated to Mihr, the Armenian sun god. The temple's design showcases a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian architectural styles, featuring 24 Ionic columns that adorn its facade. These columns are thought to represent the 24 hours of the day. Despite Armenia's conversion to Christianity in the early 4th century, the Temple of Garni remarkably survived the widespread destruction of pagan temples. It is thought that it was spared due to its strategic location or repurposed as a royal summer residence. However, a devastating earthquake in 1679 caused the temple to collapse, leaving it in ruins for centuries. Renewed interest in the site emerged in the 19th century, leading to archaeological excavations and efforts to preserve the temple's remains. Between 1969 and 1975, the Temple of Garni underwent extensive reconstruction using the anastylosis technique, restoring it to its former glory. Today, the Temple of Garni stands as one of Armenia's main tourist attractions, drawing visitors with its historical significance and architectural beauty. The temple complex also includes the ruins of a Roman bathhouse with intricate mosaic floors and a royal palace. Nearby, the Symphony of Stones, a natural rock formation of basalt columns, adds to the area's allure.

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