Echmiadzin, Zvartnots, Garni, Geghard, photo stop Azat reservoir

The word “Echmiadzin” means a place where “the only begotten son of the God descended”. According to a legend, Jesus Christ descended from heaven and indicated the spot for a church to be built. Echmiadzin is the residence of the Supreme Catholicos of all Armenians and the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The magnificent Zvartnots Temple was constructed in the 7th century. Mother Cathedral  and Zvartnots temple are listed on the UNESCO World’s Cultural Heritage Sites.

The pagan temple Garni was built in the 1st century AD by the armenian king Trdat. The temple Garni is the only monument connecting with the era of paganism and Hellenism, dedicated to the sun god Mithra.

Not far from the temple of Garni is situated the Monastery Geghard, which was built in the 4th century by The First Armenian Catholicos - Gregory the Illuminator. The name of the monastery originates from the spear of the Roman soldier who pierced the body of Jesus Christ. Now the spear is presented in the museum of Echmiadzin.

Azat Reservoir is a scenic artificial lake located in the Ararat Region of Armenia, built in 1976 for irrigation purposes. Surrounded by mountains, it lies near the Azat River and is close to attractions like Geghard Monastery and the "Symphony of Stones." The reservoir is also a popular spot for outdoor activities such as paddleboarding and hiking.