Geghard Monastery
written by wil6ka
on January 22, 2009
If you aim high you have to take steep steps. That would be the perfect description for the Geghard Monastery in Armenia. This outstanding example for religious architecture is not short of awkward atributes, which made it a UNESCO world heritage. Geghard was originally named Ayrivank, which means “monastery of the cave” and that surely is the allegory that fits this monument best because it is assembled in the natural landscape of the mountains and becomes a part of the stones. It was built in 1215 at site of a sacred cave-spring.
Geghard, or the longer form Geghardavank means, “monastery of the spear” refering to tha fatal wound of jesus christ. And that is the other great story. This very spear is seen there and was allegedly brought there by Apostle Thaddeus. In the Medieval Age it was also known as the Monastery of the seven churches and the Monastery of the forty altars, but I want even go that way. To enter the tempkle you have to take the – quite dangerous – stairways steeply attaching the outside walls. You then have to enter the narrow entrance door and then you are in a pantheon-like hall. beautiful and tranquile. I am always amazed by the numerous candles, which are so typical for orthodox churches. I love them burning and dripping hot wax. It is so beautiful. You see this place you should surely take a trip from Yerevan. It is in the Kotayk Region at the river Azat.
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