Khor Virap: From the Depths of History to the Shadow of Ararat

The Khor Virap monastery complex is one of Armenia’s most prominent historical and spiritual monuments. It is situated on a hill at the site of the ancient capital Artashat where the royal prison was once located. "Virap" means "deep pit" or "dungeon." According to the history of Agathangelos King Tiridates III the Great cast Gregory the Illuminator into this pit for preaching Christianity. Today visitors have the opportunity to descend into the same 6-meter-deep cell where he spent 13 years in isolation.

The current appearance of the monastery was formed in the 17th century. The main church Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) was built in 1662. Khor Virap is also famous for its location very close to the Armenia-Turkey border which provides the closest and most breathtaking view of Mount Ararat. It is considered the birthplace of Armenia's conversion to Christianity and a powerful symbol of Armenian identity and resilience.