Arpa Gorge / Gndevank Monastery / Armenian Geographic

Arpa gorge is located near the city of Jermuk in the Vayots Dzor province. It has an elevation of 1400 meters. Two prominent basalt columns stand in the gorge: one 30 meters tall, and the other 28 meters. In the past, these basalt pillars were often used for rock climbing. Currently, it is not allowed to climb these columns, but Arpa Gorge is still a natural monument worth visiting.

Gndevank Monastery

From the gorge of the Arpa River there is a path leading to the Gndevank Monastery. The monastery is located near the city of Jermuk. It is a medieval monastery built in the 10th century AD. It is located along the Vayk-Jermuk road, near the village of Gndevank, not far from the Jermuk springs. In this monastery, there are old khachkars and a wall painting of the Virgin Mary. There are also tombstones around the territory, on which various images are carved (for example, hunting scenes).

Gndevank Monastery

Considering its age, the structure and treasures of the monastery are well preserved. It has suffered through earthquakes, but has been rebuilt, keeping its original appearance. You can see the fort walls that surround the whole complex. Princess Sophia of Syunik, who founded the monastery, left an inscription on the western wall: “Vayots Dzor was a ring without a stone, and I put a precious stone on it”. The main building is the St. Stepanos church. There are also buildings where monks live.