Garni Temple
Garni Temple
4.5
About
Temple of Garni The Temple of Garni is a classical Hellenistic temple in Garni, Armenia. It is perhaps the best-known structure and symbol of pre-Christian Armenia.The temple was dedicated to Mythra, a deity popular in the Near East which became the patron goddess of the Roman Empire in the period before Christianity.Monastery of Geghard is a medieval monastery in the Kotayk province
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Dirk WAlexandra Headland, Australia10,147 contributionsGreco Roman remnantAlthough nearly totally reconstructed from the rubble that it was, Garni still represents the most important monument of pre-Christian Armenia. It very clearly is Greco Roman, of which nothing much else remains in Armenia. The temple's location is sensational : sitting on a cliff, overlooking the ravine of the Azat River and the Gegham mountains - so the views are panoramic. Look down into the valley towards the Symphony of Stones/ Basaltic Organ ! The temple itself only takes half an hour to explore, but the site has some other interesting sights : stone with Greek inscription, stone associated with king Tiridates, Roman bathhouse with remnants of nice mosaic floor.Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten November 12, 2023
- Stelios GLarnaca, Cyprus204 contributionsGarni templeWe visited Garni temple during a private day tour we booked via Jan Armenia. Entrance tickets were only 750 Armenian Dram for per adult, included in the amount we paid for the private day tour. Entrance to the site was free for our five year old daughter. Garni is a Greco-Roman temple, the last standing pre-Christian monument in Armenia. The environment around the temple is amazing. There are panoramic views of the Garni gorge, Azat River and Gegham mountains. It didn't take long to see the interior of the temple and its surroundings, however, there were many great spots around the temple to take photos, so we took our time after we were done looking around. I consider this historic site to be one of the must visits during a holiday in Armenia. It is a relatively short ride from Yerevan, so young children will be able to tolerate the ride. Due to its close proximity to the Symphony of Stones and the Geghard Monastery, it should be combined with the other two attractions which are also must visits.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 22, 2023
- HudsonmccrawVirginia Beach, Virginia4,040 contributionsOne of the icons of ArmeniaI always wanted to visit Garni, so it was a thrill to have done so. It is even better in person, than in any photo one can take of this iconic edifice. The surrounding scenery is also breathtaking. Anyone visiting Armenia who doesn’t come to see Garni, is missing out big.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten June 18, 2024
- Coryy20Port of Spain, Trinidad6,366 contributionsA former pagan temple..wa expecting moreThe Garni Temple is the only surving pagan temple in Armenia. It is on a cliff overlooking a range of the Geghama mountains as well as the Azat River near the Ararat Plain.According to the tour huide, it is argued that it was previously a tomb and not a temple. Additionslly, due to the ideal location surrounding the temple, it was invaded by the Arabs, Romans, Persians etc., visitors can see Arabic graffiti, which dates from the 9th-10th centuries CE. It holds lots of history but i was expecting something grand or more and was disappointed by the price paid to see it. The only thing I liked was the view surrounding the temple.Visited December 2023Traveled soloWritten June 26, 2024
- beetcanner731 contributionsFirst Century Greco-Roamn TempleDo a double take, Are we in Ancient Rome or present day Armenia? This temple is perched on a cliff overlooking the Azat River and reaches back to pre-Christian Armenia. Highly photogenic, bring your camera. Also, duck into the Roman bath house to view the mosaic floor under restoration.Visited July 2024Traveled with friendsWritten July 26, 2024
- laczkozsuDebrecen, Hungary2,326 contributionsHellenistic temple at the top of the canyonWe travelled from Yerevan and took a pretty bad mountain road to get to Garni, which is only 15km from the capital. Its main attraction is the temple, wchich was built in the 1st century in the Greco-Roman style. It is now the only pagan temple in the country, the others having been destroyed. In 1679, it was badly damaged in an earthquake, and the stones were painstakingly reassembled and reconstructed in 1966. It is a majestic sight, but the view of the surrounding Garni Gorge is even more magical. A must-see.Visited August 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Fredric John
Dubai, United Arab Emirates848 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
From Yerevan to Garni by bus, I went to this historic place alone without knowing the story behind it.
To me, It felt like a missed the opportunity of knowing the story behind this temple. There is no information to read into. Paying for a guided tour would be worth it?
For 1500 dram ($3.15) entrance fee, it is worth it to take photos overlooking the mountain, inside the temple, and other sceneries around. I spent maybe an 30 minutes to an hour then move on to the next destination.
To me, It felt like a missed the opportunity of knowing the story behind this temple. There is no information to read into. Paying for a guided tour would be worth it?
For 1500 dram ($3.15) entrance fee, it is worth it to take photos overlooking the mountain, inside the temple, and other sceneries around. I spent maybe an 30 minutes to an hour then move on to the next destination.
Written November 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Go P
10 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Driven once again with a tour group from Yerani Travel. The professionalism of guide Nairi and driver Arthur created an atmosphere of time travel, not just in space. We can say we have become acquainted with Armenian culture on its journey from paganism to Christianity. Educative, with a soul and an emotional excursion into historical conflicts.
Automatically translated
Written August 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DominiqueVB
Oud-Turnhout, Belgium147 contributions
May 2022
Before entering you will need to buy a ticket for about 1500 AMD (as a Western European tourist, other fees can apply).
There's some tourist shops at the entrance.
Inside a small, well-kept park has been made leading straight up to the Temple.
If you've already seen or are familiar with Greek architecture, the Temple is rather small and not all that special, but the backdrop scenery is what makes this visit special.
There's also a (free) bathroom available and there's guides walking around who're willing to help out.
There's some tourist shops at the entrance.
Inside a small, well-kept park has been made leading straight up to the Temple.
If you've already seen or are familiar with Greek architecture, the Temple is rather small and not all that special, but the backdrop scenery is what makes this visit special.
There's also a (free) bathroom available and there's guides walking around who're willing to help out.
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
neeratraveler
San Francisco, CA243 contributions
Oct 2021
The temple of Garni, dedicated to The Sun God Mihr is the only standing pagan temple in Armenia. It is a small Greco Roman building and there are also Roman baths close to the temple. The view from the temple is beautiful.
Thankfully, this temple managed to survive - all other pagan temples were destroyed when Armenia converted to Christianity.
Thankfully, this temple managed to survive - all other pagan temples were destroyed when Armenia converted to Christianity.
Written October 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pasigor60
Moscow, Russia1,343 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
The pagan temple of Garni, built in the 1st century AD, was part of the complex. In the XYII century it was destroyed by an earthquake. It was restored during the USSR, in the 70s of the 20th century (the only temple of this type in Armenia). A popular place among tourists, 40 minutes by taxi from Yerevan. There are beautiful views of the mountains nearby, entrance fee is 1500 local rubles. I recommend it.
Written January 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexey G
Moscow, Russia14,661 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
The oldest temple on the territory of the former USSR. Pre-Christian, built in the pagan era. It was built from basalt, how this was possible at that time is unclear. Favorite country residence of the Armenian kings. By the way, I understand them. You can’t take your eyes off the landscape around you, you can’t describe it with a pen. Of course, the temple was destroyed several times, and now exists in a restored version. But it is also undeniable. On the territory there is an antique bathhouse in which “issues were resolved.” Everything is logical and modern.
Written January 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hudsonmccraw
Virginia Beach, VA4,040 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
I always wanted to visit Garni, so it was a thrill to have done so. It is even better in person, than in any photo one can take of this iconic edifice. The surrounding scenery is also breathtaking. Anyone visiting Armenia who doesn’t come to see Garni, is missing out big.
Written June 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
papastudenta
Elista, Russia689 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
The majestic ancient temple of Garni is very reminiscent of Greek temples. It was built in pre-Christian times (66-88 AD) by the King of Armenia Trdat I, and was probably dedicated to Mher - the god of the sun, heavenly light and justice. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1679, but was subsequently completely restored.
Very touristy place. It is located on a separate hill, 30 km from Yerevan. The parking lot is small and chaotic. The beauty around is incredible. The ticket costs 1500 drams. There is a drinking spring and toilet on site.
On the way here, when leaving Yerevan, Mount Ararat is clearly visible.
Very touristy place. It is located on a separate hill, 30 km from Yerevan. The parking lot is small and chaotic. The beauty around is incredible. The ticket costs 1500 drams. There is a drinking spring and toilet on site.
On the way here, when leaving Yerevan, Mount Ararat is clearly visible.
Written November 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OxanaKsu
Moscow, Russia12,735 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The ancient temple of the 1st century is reminiscent of Greek temples. It was destroyed during an earthquake in 1679 and restored by Soviet restorers in 1966-1976. There is an empty altar inside the temple. Baths from the 3rd century have also been preserved on the territory; be sure to stop by and see the mosaics.
Entrance for an adult will cost 1500 drams.
Entrance for an adult will cost 1500 drams.
Written April 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bsingh
Gandhinagar, India300 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
It is one of the very few pagan temples which has been restored systematically. It is now maintained well in the midst of nice and green environment. The ruins of the ancient royal baths , in reasonably good condition , are located in the same complex.
Written October 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Добрый день!
Сколько по времени займет поездка в Храм Гарни? И есть ли смысл запланировать ещё какую либо экскурсию рядом?
Written August 27, 2019
Дорога туда-обратно займет час. Это из Еревана. На авто. Ну а осмотр храма... тут все от ваших предпочтений зависит. Кому пол-часа достаточно, кто пол-дня проведет и будет мало.
Written August 27, 2019
Подскажите, пожалуйста ! Как добраться из Гарни к "каменной симфонии ",ущелью ? Он за поселком или перед ? Какая дорога ? Можно проехать на своем автомобиле( семейный хэтчбек ) ?
Written March 2, 2015
Я всюду ездила с автобусом туристической фирмы Huir. Если Вас двое или трое, я бы рекомендовала ездить с турфирмой - стоимость экскурсии на 1 день 700 - 800 рублей на весь день. Меня смущают горные дороги, особенно в дождь. Про какое конкретно ущелье Вы пишете - я не поняла, вокруг много красивых ущелий, туристов обычно возят в Гегард. Водители такси, действительно, активно предлагают свои услуги, обещают хорошие цены. Однако, с моей точки зрения очень много значит хороший рассказ эксурсовода, особенно в Армении. Путеводителей по Армении мало, материалов в Интернете тоже немного, содержание материалов очень поверхностное.
Written March 3, 2015
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