Garni, Geghard, lavash baking, symphony of stones

Visit to Geghard monastery. The monastery was founded in the 4th century on the site of a sacred spring originating in a cave. Therefore, it was originally called Ayrivank, which means "cave monastery". Built in the XII-XIII centuries. The modern name Geghard means the spear with which, according to legend, the Roman legionary pierced Christ (originally the spear was kept in this monastery, and now it is exhibited in the Etchmiadzin treasury museum). The complex consists of the main church, a vestibule, two churches carved into the rock, a chapel and the Church of the Holy Virgin. Listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

The next stop is the pagan temple of Garni (founded in the 1st century AD). The Temple of Garni is the only surviving monument in the region dating back to the era of paganism and Hellenism. After the adoption of Christianity, the temple was turned into the summer residence of the Armenian kings. Today, around the temple, you can see the remains of an ancient fortress, the royal palace and, of great interest, the royal bath with multi-colored mosaics and a mysterious inscription - “We worked without getting anything”

We will take part in the ceremony of baking Armenian traditional bread lavash (with tasting). The craftsmanship of baking lavash bread is included in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List. If you wish, you can organize lunch in one of the gastro yards in the village of Garni (price - from $18 per person).

After the master class in the village of Garni, we'll take a short stroll into the gorge, where you'll encounter a unique natural wonder – the Symphony of Stones or basalt organ.