Geghard Monastery Location and Unique Structure
Geghard Monastery, also known as Ayrivank, is situated in Kotayk Province, in the village of Goght. It is located on the right bank of the Azat River and is one of the few spiritual landmarks in Armenia that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding cliffs. The monastery earned the name Ayrivank due to its 140 cave cells carved into the rock formations. Follow Armenictours to know more about this specific place.
UNESCO Recognition of Geghard Monastery
In 2018, Geghard Monastery and the upper Azat River Valley were included in the UNESCO list of monuments under enhanced protection status. Only 17 sites worldwide have received this prestigious designation, granted exclusively to cultural and national landmarks of exceptional importance to humanity.
This status is awarded under the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in Armed Conflict, ensuring that during any armed conflict, opposing forces must refrain from attacking the site or using it for military purposes.
Origin of the Name ‘Geghard’
Initially called Ayrivank due to its numerous caves, the monastery was later renamed Geghard, meaning spear. The name originates from the spear that was used to pierce Jesus Christ during the Crucifixion. Considered a sacred relic, this spear was preserved at Geghard Monastery from the 14th century, having been relocated from Etchmiadzin. The name Geghard was also given to the nearby gorge (Geghardadzor) and a southern section of the Geghama Mountains (Geghardasar).
Legends Surrounding Geghard Monastery
The Story of the Noble Siblings
According to a legend, a brother and sister from a noble family sought to abandon worldly life and build a temple in the valley. They prayed for divine guidance and, upon waking the next morning, found a chisel embedded at the mountain’s peak. Taking it as a sign, they worked tirelessly to construct the monastery, where they later lived and passed away.
The Tale of Tamerlane’s Failed Invasion
Another tale dates back to the 14th century, when Tamerlane heard about Geghard Monastery and the Holy Spear. Intent on witnessing its power, he attacked the monastery and demanded the relic. However, as his soldiers attempted to seize it, they were met by an invisible army. Some soldiers lost their vision, while others had their hands paralyzed. Overwhelmed by fear, Tamerlane repented and abandoned his assault on the monastery.
Geghard Monastery Hidden Treasures
A popular legend suggests that Geghard Monastery contained immense treasures, attracting Tamerlane’s interest. However, no such riches existed. Instead, the architectural design created a light reflection from the roof opening, producing a round, diamond-like glow. Tamerlane, believing he had found a gemstone, attempted to grasp it, only to see the light disappear. After several failed attempts, he left the monastery empty-handed.
Geghard Monastery’s Acoustics – A Unique Feature
Geghard Monastery is recognized as one of Armenia’s finest acoustic churches. The church and gavit (narthex) feature a precisely engineered sound system. The square-shaped gavit ensures that sound is evenly distributed across all corners of the structure. The walls absorb and refine sound waves, enhancing clarity and prolonging echoes for up to 40 seconds. This creates the sensation of sound emanating from above. Another Armenian monastery with remarkable acoustics is Saghmosavank, named after the psalms sung within its resonant walls.
The Main Church of Geghard – Katoghike
Like other Armenian monastic complexes such as Hovhannavank, Talin, and Marmashen, Geghard’s main church is called Katoghike, meaning central or universal church. An inscription above the western entrance states that it was built in 1215 during the tenure of Vardapet Barsegh. In 1219, Prince Ivane Zakaryan donated Berdagh village to the monastery.
The Architect Behind Geghard’s Gavit – Galdzag
The monastery’s gavit (narthex) was designed by the architect Galdzag, who started construction alongside the Katoghike Church but completed it in 1225. Unlike traditional religious buildings, the gavit resembles a mountain village house with two-story chambers. Galdzag worked at Geghard for nearly 40 years, transforming plain caves into intricately carved Christian rock sanctuaries.
Conclusion
Geghard Monastery stands as a testament to Armenian heritage, blending faith, architecture, and nature into one extraordinary site. Recognized by UNESCO, steeped in legend, and boasting remarkable acoustics, it remains a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. Whether you explore its rock-hewn chapels or experience its echoing melodies, Geghard offers an unforgettable journey into Armenia’s rich cultural past.
