Garni Temple: Armenia's only pagan temple

#hellohalloween

It stands on the edge of a gorge, above the Azat River, as if guarding the entrance to the valley.
Solitary, austere, and surprisingly harmonious—the Temple of Garni. The only one in Armenia to have survived from pagan times.

It was built in the 1st century, during the reign of King Tiridates I, when Armenia still worshiped the sun. The gray basalt columns, nine steps leading to the portico, and carved capitals—everything recalls Ancient Rome. But the place is purely Armenian: surrounded by mountains, wind, and the scent of herbs.

📍 How to get there
The temple is located in the village of Garni, approximately 30 km from Yerevan. You can get there by car or minibus (about an hour from the Gay bus station). The final section is a serpentine road offering views of the gorge and the basalt columns of the "Symphony of Stones." 👣 What to see
— the temple itself, standing on a high plateau;
— the ruins of an ancient palace and baths with mosaics;
— the view of the Azat River gorge, especially beautiful at sunset.

Post by Liseykina | Oct 28, 2025