Garni

Garni is rich in history. The area was first occupied in the 3rd millennium BC along easily defensible terrain at one of the bends of the Azat River. In the 8th century BC the area was conquered by the Urartian King Argishti I. The fortification at Garni was erected probably sometime in the 3rd century BC as a summer residence for the Armenian Orontid and Artaxiad royal dynasties. Later around the 1st century BC the fortress of Garni became the last refuge of King Mithridates of Armenia, where he and his family were assassinated by his son-in-law and nephew Rhadamistus. The fortress was sacked in 1386 by Timur Lenk. In 1679 an earthquake devastated the area destroying the temple.

Much of the population today descends from people settled in the population exchange of 1829–1830, following the Treaty of Turkmenchay between Russia and Persia.

Unless you are in a hurry, walking is the best way to see Garni. If you need to know where to find something, almost any of the residents will be willing to point you in the right direction or even walk you there.

• 🌍 Garni Temple and Fortress (Just south of main road through town, well signposted. There are also many trails leading from the canyon directly up to the temple.). Temple complex perched above the canyon of the Azat river. Its centrepiece is the Hellenistic temple built in the 1st C BC - this was smashed by an earthquake in 1679 but reconstructed in the 1970s. Also here are the medieval main gate and fortifications, the circular foundations of a church built in 897 AD, walls of a two-storey royal summer palace built by the Urartians in the 8th C BC, a Roman-era bath house, and a cemetery. Guided tours are available but the place is self-explanatory. 1,500 dram. (updated Oct 2019)
• 🌍 Mashtots Hayrapet Church (Pok'r or "little" church) (Hidden behind houses just south of main highway through town). A hidden gem in Garni, a small basilica built in the 12th C in dark grey stone with red tufa decorations, intricately carved. (updated Oct 2018)
• 🌍 Surb Astvatsatsin Church (The Holy Mother of God) (A large blue sign points the direction to the church. Follow the main road just past the open area where the road forks and take the road to the right. The church will be after the two large buildings on the left). 17th-19th centuries. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Khumarzham Church (Khonarvats). 4th-5th centuries church which now lay in ruins. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Garni Gorge (The gorge is most easily reached by a road that leads left of the temple and down to the gorge and river. Another more direct but harder to find road leads to the gorge through the village, down a cobblestone road, and into the valley. Once in the valley, turning right will take you to what is referred to as the Symphony of Stones and an 11th century medieval bridge. Taking a left will lead you along the river past a fish hatchery, up to the Khosrov Reserve and a little further is Havuts Tar Monastery). This portion of the Garni Gorge is typically referred to as the "Symphony of the Stones". All along the sides of the gorge are vertical cliff walls of well preserved basalt columns. It is well worth the walk (updated Apr 2015)

• Hiking – There exist extensive hiking opportunities around Garni with waterfalls, churches and spectecular mountains.
• Horseback riding or camping at the Khosrov Reserve.
• It's possible to do a simple 2-hour return hike from Garni temple. First, descend from the temple to the river, follow it for 2-3 km till the 11th-century footbridge, then start ascending to the Garni village. Passing through the village you'll be able to see Mashtots Hayrapet and Surb Astvatsatsin churches.

Because the economy of the village is based predominantly on tourism, many "tourist" stands may be seen near Garni Temple and the main roads. Some good foods may be bought from villagers trying to make a living.

• Walnuts - The quality of walnuts vary from each part of Armenia. Garni has good tasting walnuts.
• Garni Village Gata - Specific to certain towns or villages in each region, this sweetbread is especially delicious from here.
• 🌍 Grocery store, Marzpetuni st. (updated Apr 2015)

• 🌍 Tavern (10 m away from the entrance to the Garni temple). Armenian cuisine with excellent views over the gorge and Garni temple. Sometimes it gets very busy with the tourists. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Trout fish restaurant (Garni fishery), ☏ +374 93 923464. A fish farm that has adjacent restaurant. They prepare mainly grilled fish, some side vegetables can be served as well. 3 types of the fish to choose from, 1 kg - from 3000 dram. (updated Apr 2015)

Given the proximity of Yerevan, most of the visitors stay in the capital.

• 🌍 Garnitoun, 8 Marzpetunu st (right next to the fortress), ☏ +37 491 202757. Average rooms, even a bit rundown, But the views from the windows/balcony makes you forget about all disadvantages - it's simply stunning. Double 22,000 dram. Main dishes in restaurant 1,500-3,000 dram. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 B&B "Chez Yvette", 31 Avenue de Gueghard, ☏ +374 94 278076, +374 55 278076. It has eight rooms overlooking a garden, open air swimming pool, internet, car-park, restaurant (French and Armenian cuisine). Double 18,000 dram. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Hostel "GarniRestHost", G.Marzpetuni str. 9. Simple hostel with smallish rooms, but the price is the lowest in the area. Double 10,000 dram. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Dinadav rest house, Bagramyan str. 50/1, ☏ +374 93 679152. Private villa for rent. You get entire two-floor house. one person - 20,000 dram, 2 - 25,000, 3 - 30,000 dram and then up to seven people. (updated Apr 2015)

All three mobile operators have a decent 3G coverage in the area.

However, there was no WiFi spotted in local restaurants (2015), although some hotels might have WiFi available.

• Yerevan — Armenia's capital and the center of modern Armenian life