We offer individual and group excursions to Khor Virap Monastery – one of Armenia’s unique historical and cultural sites. Since 2016, our travel agency has been organizing tours and excursions across the country, striving to provide high-quality tourist services. We develop and conduct a variety of one- and multi-day tours that showcase the unique beauty of Armenia’s nature and its ancient history from different perspectives.
Khor Virap Monastery – A Sacred Place of Armenia
If you want to experience one of the most iconic and truly sacred sites in Armenia, visit Khor Virap Monastery. Here, near the ancient capital Artashat, on a rocky hill rising above the Ararat plain, the towers of ancient Khor Virap stand, with the majestic peak of Mount Ararat visible in the distance. This place still preserves the memory of a momentous event that occurred over 1,500 years ago: in 301 AD, the ruler of Armenia adopted Christianity here, making it the state religion.
A Brief History of Khor Virap
“Khor Virap” in Armenian translates as “deep dungeon,” reflecting the original purpose of this site as a state prison. It was established in 180 BC when King Artashes I founded the first capital, Artashat. After the capital moved to Dvin, Khor Virap continued to function as a prison and place of exile for the disfavored.
This place has even older origins: according to legends, a demon once hid the goddess Astghik here, who was later freed by the god of war, Vahagn.
Christian saint and royal courtier Gregory (later Saint Gregory the Illuminator) was imprisoned in Khor Virap for refusing to return to the pagan faith. He spent 14 years chained in the deep pit but survived. When the king fell ill, Gregory convinced him that his sickness was caused by paganism. The king converted to Christianity in 301 AD, recovered, and named Gregory “Lusavorich” (the Illuminator), canonizing him and establishing Armenia as the first officially Christian nation.
Attractions of Khor Virap
The monastery complex is picturesque even on approach: it sits atop a rocky hill in the middle of the plain, with Mount Ararat as a backdrop, surrounded by mountain ranges, green vineyards, and the Araks River.
The architectural style of the monastery is classic Armenian: simple yet majestic. Visitors can see the deep dungeon where Saint Gregory was imprisoned. It is located in a chapel dedicated to the saint, with a metal staircase descending through a narrow shaft 60 meters deep; the chamber itself is about 6 meters high and 4.5 meters long.
The Church of the Holy Mother of God, built in 1662, rests on the stone foundation of a 5th-century structure. Its unusual orientation is along the north-south axis rather than east-west. The church’s architecture is austere, with a single round dome and richly decorated altar. In the 13th century, Khor Virap housed a center for education and chronicling, with a university where many Armenian scholars taught.
The monastery walls were constructed in the 17th century, and monks have lived there ever since. In 1669, the Church of Saint Gregory was built within the monastery, and a bell tower was added in the late 19th century.
Every year, the Cathedral of Yerevan celebrates the Day of Saint Gregory’s Release, and during New Year festivities, a flame from Khor Virap is brought to the cathedral. A ceremony releasing white doves is also held at Khor Virap, symbolizing the birds flying toward Mount Ararat.
Book Excursions to Khor Virap with Our Travel Agency
We offer tours to Khor Virap from Yerevan and other cities. Guests are provided with comfortable cars and minibuses with drivers and guides fluent in Russian. The tour price includes transportation and guided services; meals, museum visits, and other services are paid by the guests. To book an excursion to Khor Virap Monastery, submit your request on our website, via messaging apps, or by phone.