History

The Garni Pagan Temple was built in the 1st century AD by Armenian king Tiridates I in Hellenistic style. It is the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia, dedicated to the sun god Mihr.

The temple was destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 1679 and reconstructed in 1969–1975 using the anastylosis method, largely with its original stones.

What to See

24 Ionic columns, an elegant frieze, dramatic views over the Garni gorge and the "Symphony of Stones", plus the mosaic floor of a nearby Roman-era bathhouse.

How to Get There

About 28 km from central Yerevan. Take a bus or marshrutka from the Masiv bus station, or drive via the main road towards Garni (M4/M10 direction).