The most outstanding feature of the Geghard Monastery is its impressive construction, which combines buildings of typical Armenian architecture with rooms partially excavated in the rock, chambers and corridors that extend throughout the complex, in the middle of the cliffs of the Azat River gorge.

Geghard was founded in the 4th century in a sacred cave believed to have been used by early Christians as a place of worship. It is believed to have been settled by Gregory the Illuminator on the site of a sacred spring inside a cavern. Gregory the Illuminator, founder of the Armenian Apostolic Church, was the one who converted Armenia from Zoroastrianism to Christianity in the early 4th century, making the country the first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion.

Of these original structures there are hardly any remains, since around the tenth century it was looted and destroyed by the Muslims in their occupation of Armenian territory. Later Queen Tamara of Georgia with her armies would liberate Armenia from the Shaddadid dynasty, and rebuild Geghard, fortifying and improving its structures.

Originally called Ayrivank, "Monastery of the Cave" due to the network of caves that composed it, it would become one of the most important religious centers in the region, attracting many pilgrims over the centuries. Its present name is the abbreviation of Geghardavank, which means "Monastery of the Spear", referring to the spear that wounded Jesus in his Crucifixion, supposedly taken to Armenia by the apostle Judas Thaddeus, and preserved among other relics. The original relic is currently preserved in the Echmiadzin Cathedral Museum.

In addition to the relics, it is remarkable for its intricate engravings on stone called Khachkar, engraved memorial stones specific to Armenian art. This type of fabulous representations are present since ancient times throughout the territory of historical Armenia, whose basic pattern is a stone slab with a cross in bas-relief, with a complex decoration and borders of very high artistic value.

The most notorious building of the complex, the Katoghike Chapel, dates from the 12th century, when the complex underwent a profound reconstruction and improvement. Built against the mountain, it has a Latin cross plan and is covered by a dome. Much of its structure contains all kinds of inscriptions, engravings and fine carvings with representations of animals, plants and complex figures. This church was erected after a period in which the complex suffered several sackings and its almost complete destruction at the hands of the Turks.

Another important building in the complex is the so-called Gavit, a sacristy attached to the rock, linked to the main church. The structure consists of four huge columns supporting the roof decorated with stalactites, and was used both for religious meetings and to receive pilgrims. Its intricate ornamentation stands out, composed of large flowers with petals, intertwined branches and oblong leaves.

The Zhamatun is another of the outstanding constructions of the complex and it is an approximately square chamber excavated in the rock, with deeply carved reliefs in the walls and under which is the sepulchral vault of the Princes of Proshian, who in the 13th century actively contributed to its maintenance.

Other constructions, such as the chapel of St. Gregory the Illuminator, partially excavated in a huge solid rock, make up the complex. Geghard, moreover, is walled in three of its parts and encased in the rock cliff, which guards it and in its interior the different vaults, chapels and rooms were excavated. In fact, due to the large number of excavated or semi-excavated structures, it took the name of the Monastery of the Seven Churches and Forty Altars.

In addition to its impressive buildings, Geghard Monastery is located in a stunning mountainous landscape, in the upper valley of the Azat River. The river forms spectacular waterfalls and canyons in a basaltic terrain, resulting in a beautiful natural environment with spectacular views.

Geghard Monastery is one of Armenia's most important historical heritages and a top tourist destination in the country, as well as being a traditional place of Christian pilgrimage in the region. With its impressive architecture, complex history and spectacular natural setting, Geghard is a shining example of Armenia's early medieval architecture.

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