Geghard Monastery is located in the upper part of the Azat River gorge, beneath high, sheer cliffs, so that part of the complex seems to be carved directly into the mountain. The name of the monastery is linked to the “Holy Lance” with which, according to tradition, Christ was pierced, and which was once kept here. Within the monastery complex there are both free‑standing churches and completely rock‑hewn halls and chapels, whose domes open directly into the interior of the mountain. In one of the rock chambers, if you look up, you see a round opening through which a beam of light falls, creating the feeling of a true cave cathedral. The oldest layers of the monastery date at least to the 4th century, while the present main church, the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God, was built in the 13th century during the Zakarid period. At that time a strongly fortified monastic complex with walls, gates, and courtyards took shape here.