Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley contains a number of Churhes and Tombs. Most of them are cut into the living rock. They illustrate the Armenian medieval architecture. The complex is surrounded by high cliffs on the northern side and the other sides are protected by defensive walls.
Armenia or the Republic Of Armenia is a unitary, multi-party democratic nation having an ancient cultural heritage. Armenia has gained slight importance in the recent months as many Asian travelers to UAE are going via Armenia, due to the flight ban. They fly to Armenia, spend fourteen days there and then fly to UAE due to the flight ban between UAE and India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries. So, these travelers can enjoy the beauty of the Monastery of Geghard and Upper Azat Valley while they spend days there.
UNESCO has insribed the Monastery of Geghard and Upper Azat Valley in the list of World Heritage Sites in 2000. The monuments included in the property are dated from the 4th to the 13th century. Because of its rock-cut construction, it was called as Ayrivank – meaning Monastery in the Cave – in the earlier periods. The first rock-cut church was built before 1250 and the second one in 1283.
The Monastery of Geghard has a school, scriptorium, library and many rock-cut dwelling cells. The property is under the ownership of Armenian Apostolic Holy Church.
Read more about the Monastery of Geghard and Upper Azat Valley of Armenia here
Picture used for illustration only – Credit: David Stanley
