Geghard Monastery

Geghardavank, or Geghard, is a medieval Armenian monastery in the gorge of the Goght River, about 40 kilometers from Yerevan. Its name means Monastery of the Spear and refers to the relic believed to be the Lance of Longinus, which pierced Jesus Christ and was brought to Armenia by the Apostle Thaddeus. The monastery was founded in the 4th century beside a sacred spring in a cave and was originally called Ayrivank, meaning Cave Monastery. The relic was transferred here in the 13th century, giving the complex its present name. Geghard remains an active men's monastery and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ensemble includes the high-domed main cathedral of Katoghike, cave churches and chapels, the 1288 tomb of Prince Papak, the Chapel of Gregory the Illuminator, and numerous cells and assembly halls.

A legend of Geghard tells of a brother and sister who decided to build a church in the Garni Valley. One morning, the girl saw a glowing point on the cliff and showed her brother where to begin. He cut into the rock with hammer and pick, while she used her long braid to pull out the pieces of stone. The church took many years to complete and eventually became their home. Tradition also says that the Apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus came here with the Lance of Longinus. In 1760, the relic was moved to Echmiadzin, where it remains today.