Khor Virap
Խոր Վիրապ
One of the closest viewpoints to Mount Ararat. A small monastery stands on a hill on the plain, with snowy peaks rising behind it, making it Armenia’s most classic postcard scene.
Khor Virap Monastery stands on the Ararat Plain about 45 km south of Yerevan, right beside the closed border with Turkey and roughly 30 km from Mount Ararat. The name “Khor Virap” means “deep pit.” According to tradition, in the late 3rd century St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here for 13 years in an underground pit for preaching Christianity. When King Tiridates III fell gravely ill, Gregory healed him, and in 301 the king converted, making Christianity the state religion. Today visitors can climb down a nearly vertical iron ladder into the pit, about 6 m deep. The space is cramped, so take care. The main church, the Church of St. Mary, dates from the 17th century and is surrounded by stone walls. The best attraction is the view. From a small hill behind the monastery, you can photograph the red-roofed little church framed by Greater Ararat (5,137 m). Early in the morning, the snowy peaks often glow pink in the sunlight. In spring, the vineyards and apricot orchards on the plain are lush and green. Admission is free. It takes about 50 minutes by minibus from Yerevan, and you can continue south to the Areni winery and Noravank Monastery.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–18:00 (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Erebuni Fortress
- Garni Temple
- Symphony of Stones (Garni Gorge)
- GUM Market
- Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
- Vernissage Market
- Republic Square
- History Museum of Armenia