Geghard Monastery

Distance from the capital city of Yerevan: 40 km

Nearest village: Goght (5 km)

Distance from Garni (a hospital and other emergency services available): 10 km

Infrastructure: available

Geghard - meaning "spear" is a medieval monastery in the Kotayk province of Armenia, being partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, surrounded by cliffs. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with enhanced protection status.

The meaning "the Monastery of the Spear", originates from the spear which had wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion, allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Jude. Some of the churches within the monastery complex are entirely dug out of the cliff rocks.