[Armenia] The place where the Spear of Longinus was discovered! Geghard Monastery, a World Heritage Site

#TravelTips

Geghard Monastery, located deep in the mountains about an hour's drive from Armenia's capital, Yerevan.

It is one of the oldest monasteries in Armenia.
As its name, which means "spear," suggests, it is said to have been named after the discovery of a piece of the "Spear of Longinus," the spear that pierced Jesus' side.
*The Holy Spear is currently kept in the Echmiadzin Treasury.

It stands on the cliffs of a steep canyon,
and is also known as the "Cave Monastery" because of the monasteries and chapels carved into the rocks.

Geghard Monastery is a designated Armenian World Heritage Site and one of Armenia's most popular tourist attractions.

It was the busiest of all the Armenian monasteries I visited.
*This may have been due to the proximity of Easter.

Parking is charged, but admission is free.
It's a blessing that many of Armenia's World Heritage Sites are free to enter.

Street stalls line the approach to the monastery, where you can purchase Armenian sweets and folk crafts.

The observation deck overlooking the monastery is located at the top of the cliff opposite.