Khor Virap Monastery

Foundation: 4th - 17th centuries

Location: Ararat Province, Lusarat village

Distance from Yerevan: 45 km / 40-45 mins

Khor Virap and the ancient city of Artashat (189-188 BC) are located on the left bank of Arax (Yeraskh) River, close to the Turkish border. The site is famous for its view of Mt. Ararat. In the 4th century Gregory the Illuminator, the founder of the Armenian Apostolic Church was imprisoned in Khor Virap.

In 301 he converted King Trdat III to Christianity and Armenia became the first country to adopt Christianity as the state religion.

The complex:

  • Fortress Walls
  • Courtyard
  • St. Astvatsatsin Church (17th century).
  • St. Gevorg Basilica with pit (Khor Virap) built in 7th century by the Catholicos Nerses III the Builder

Leave No Trace

  • Plan ahead & be prepared
  • Dispose the waste properly
  • Leave what you find
  • Minimize campfire impacts
  • Respect the wildlife
  • Be considerate of other visitors

Roads conditions

It is winter time! Check out road conditions before heading to the road! Beware of the snow & ice layer!

Vanadzor - Alaverdi section of the M6 Interstate highway stretching from Yerevan to Georgian border is temporarily closed. You can use Vanadzor-Stepanavan-Odzun-Alaverdi bypassing road.

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