Location: Garni
Top Things to do in Garni
6 Things to Do in Garni That You Shouldn't Miss
Garni (Armenian: Գառնի), is a major village in the Kotayk Province of Armenia. It is known for the nearby classical temple. As of the 2011 census, the population of the village is 6,910.
Restaurants in Garni
1. Garni Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 891 reviews
Temple of Garni The Temple of Garni is a classical Hellenistic temple in Garni, Armenia. It is perhaps the best-known structure and symbol of pre-Christian Armenia.The temple was dedicated to Mythra, a deity popular in the Near East which became the patron goddess of the Roman Empire in the period before Christianity.Monastery of Geghard is a medieval monastery in the Kotayk province
Reviewed By Ben W - New Westminster, Canada
Garni is a very interesting historical place in Armenia. But don’t expect buildings with sculptures and paintings. The Greek temple is completely empty. Its existence of that Greek temple as the well reconstructed, standing Greek-Roman colonnaded building together with the remains of other buildings (e.g. a bathhouse) make this place so special. Unfortunately, it was not possible to go into the building covering the remains of the bathhouse. Additionally, the signs describing the place and the found remains were partially in bad condition. Nevertheless, the landscape with the deep canyon is impressive.
For someone who is coming by car will be a problem to find a parking spot – the road towards the attraction is not wide and due to all the tourists parking spots are very rare.
2. Garni Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By SurreyGirl27 - Staines, United Kingdom
A great walk talking around 60 inutes through basalat formations with a local guide - river makes a great backdrop too and watching the locals gong about their business on the banks of the river. End destination of the temple makes it a great short trek though it is quite steep and lose gravel underfoot so you will need good footwear.
3. Basaltic Organ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By LWL3333 - Ridgewood, New Jersey
This site is very much like the Devil's Causeway in western Ireland or Devil's Tower in the US state of Wyoming, but is seen from the bottom whereas the former is seen from the top and the latter is seen from the sides. The volcanic lava cooled to form these 6-sided columns which are interesting geologically, but some would not find a visit worth the time and effort it takes to get there because the road is on a 12% downward grade which makes it unwise for tour busses to go. Molten lava cools in such a way that it forms these 6-sided structures, because the hexagon takes the least amount of energy to form.
4. Charent's Arch
Overall Ratings
4 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By patrickmeyer - Washington DC, District of Columbia
You will find Charent's Arch along the road to Geghard & Garni. The arch was built in 1957 and itself is not very impressive. On a clear day, the view is redeeming, offering sights all the way to Mount Ararat. The arch is dedicated to one of Armenia's most famous poets, Yeghisheh Charents and features his quote: "Pass the whole world with its Mountains white, to the beauty of Masis equals none!"
5. Havuts Tar Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Moh F
If you have the physical ability to walk 6 kilometers in a not-so-steep trail, you should visit this site. The path to the monastey was beautiful with colorful trees and we even saw an eagle and a hawk.
The monastry has nothing special and there are a lot of garbage laying around but the church is clean and on top of a hill with amazing view over the Garni gorge. If you are lucky and have camping you will see a wonderful senset; you camp there or if you have a head lamp, you can walk back to Garni.
6. Amenaprkich Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By rysalka_2016 - Irkutsk, Russia
Церковь Аменапркич когда-то была, вероятно, красивой, т.к. построена она в мозаичной манере из черного и красного туфа. К сожалению, нуждается в большой реставрации, состояние у нее плачевное. Особо рекомендовать к посещению не стану, от нее мало что осталось.
