Geghard Monastery

Geghard Monastery, Armenia – 2016. The monastery of Geghard includes a number of churches and tombs, most of them cut directly into the rock. The complex is at the entrance to the Azat Valley. There is a defensive wall protecting three sides of the complex and the forth side is protected by high cliffs. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This monastery dates back before the 4th century and the main cathedral was built in 1215. The adjoining vestibule, lager than the church itself, dates from 1215 to 1225. The surrounding chapels are carved directly into the rock. One has a stream of spring water deemed to be holy.

Geghard Monastery and the Azat Valley

One of many Khachkars at Geghard Monastery

Arched entrance to the caves adjacent to the monastery. Former monks living quarters and chapels.

Portal to Saint Astvatsatsin. The main entrance into the Katoghikeh church

Khachkars on the cliffs within Geghard Monastery

The vestibule or gavit attached to the main church

A khachkar in the vestibule of the Katoghikeh church

Interior and main alter in the Katoghikeh church

A relief on the wall above the arches in the Zhamatun. This chamber is one of several which is carved out of the solid rock

One of several reliefs cut into the walls of the Zhamatun at Geghard Monastery

These arches and dome have been carved out of solid rock

One of several reliefs cut into the walls of the Zhamatun at Geghard Monastery

This is the interior of the Zhamatun at Geghard Monastery. It was been carved out of solid rock in 1283

The remains of an old khachkar

Papak & Ruzukan Gavit-Sepulchre or upper Zhamatun. It was been carved out of solid rock.

The cave leading to the upper Zhamatun

The forecourt of Geghard Monastery

A part of the defensive wall protecting three sides of the complex

A modern khachkar outside the Geghard Monastery complex