Proceed to the village of Garni. The citadel and pagan temple of Garni is a picturesque monument of the

Hellenistic period and an impressive piece of ancient Armenian architecture. It was built in the first

century A.D. by the Armenian King Tiridates and it is dedicated to a heathen god, probably to Mithra, the

god of the sun whose figure stood in the depth of the sanctuary. After proclaiming Christianity as a state

religion in Armenia in 301, the temple was probably used as a summer residence of the kings. On the way

stop at the Arch of Charents. Northeast of Garni, higher up the gorge of the Azat river, there is a

magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture - Geghard monastery inscribed in UNESCO

World Heritage list. Geghard is another incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a

mountain. The meaning "the Monastery of the Spear", originates from the spear which had wounded

Jesus during his crucifixion, allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Thaddeus, and stored amongst many