Foundation: 4th - 17th centuries
Location: Ararat Province, Lusarat village
Distance from Yerevan: 45 km / 40-45 mins
Khor Virap and the ancient city of Artashat (189-188 BC) are located on the left bank of Arax (Yeraskh) River, close to the Turkish border. The site is famous for its view of Mt. Ararat. In the 4th century Gregory the Illuminator, the founder of the Armenian Apostolic Church was imprisoned in Khor Virap.
In 301 he converted King Trdat III to Christianity and Armenia became the first country to adopt Christianity as the state religion.
The complex:
- Fortress Walls
- Courtyard
- St. Astvatsatsin Church (17th century).
- St. Gevorg Basilica with pit (Khor Virap) built in 7th century by the Catholicos Nerses III the Builder