4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
30min drive from Erevan
When to go
All year round, though it's more pleasant in summer
Minimum stay
One day
Garrni (Armenia)
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Rémi Manesse
Practical information about Garrni
Reviews of Garrni
A little town, 25km from Erevan, Garni is famous for its Hellenic temple that dates back to the first century.
My suggestion:
During the summer, Garni stays open until 10pm, which costs a bit more but offers great views of the river under an evening light.
Summary:
Situated at twenty or so kilometres to the west of Erevan, Garni is home to the only pagan temple that survived Armenia's Christian overhaul. Destroyed and then rebuilt, the temple today stands proud. You'll also find remnants of other ruined buildings including a church, baths and a fortress - vestiges to Armenia's past that date from the Roman Conquest, Christianisation and other invasions.
It was an interesting visit that left me with good memories, but I can't say that Garni was top of my list of destinations in Armenia. Even so, if you're based in Erevan and can get hold of a car, Garni makes for an enjoyable day out.
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flickr cc Rita Willaert
Garni, with is stunning colonnade, is Armenia's only Greco-Roman temple.
My suggestion:
Garni's fascinating, yet only takes a couple of hours to tour. So it's worth combining the visit with a trip to the Ghegard Monastery, which is only a few kilometres from the site.
Summary:
Even though the site comprises only of a temple, Garni is a must-see during a trip to Armenia. It's one of the country's rare examples of Greco-Roman architecture. What's more the temple is particularly well preserved and restored.
I was surprised to find that the visitor information was written in Armenian, English and French. It wasn't just limited to simple descriptions of the temple, but also explained the symbolism behind the architecture. It means you can enjoy the visit from another angle, leaving with an understanding of Armenian society before Christianity arrived.
Another pleasant surprise is that Garni overlooks a magnificent landscape of gorges and mountains - a nature lover's dream.
If you're in Yerevan, taking a combined trip to Garni and the Ghegard Monastery makes for a great afternoon out.
©
Rémi Manesse
100 travellers' photos
