Khor Virap

Khor Virap is an Armenian monastery located in Armenia's Ararat Plain, near the closed border with Turkey, approximately 8 kilometers (5.0 mi) south of Artashat, Ararat Province, inside the land of ancient Artaxata. The monastery housed a theological institution and served as the home of the Armenian Catholicos.

The importance of Khor Virap as a monastery and pilgrimage place is linked to King Tiridates III of Armenia imprisoning Gregory the Illuminator here for about 14 years. Saint Gregory later became the king's religious adviser, and the two oversaw the country's preaching efforts. Armenia was the first country in the world to be recognized a Christian nation in the year 301. Nerses III the Builder first erected a church on the site of Khor Virap in 642 as a tribute to Saint Gregory. It was renovated several times throughout the ages. The bigger chapel known as "St. Astvatsatsin" (Holy Mother of God) was erected around the ruins of the former chapel, monastery, refectory, and monks' cells in 1662. This church now has regular religious services. It is one of Armenia's most popular pilgrimage locations.

Location: Ararat