Pagan Temple Garni
Temple of Garni is the only monument preserved on the territory of Armenia, which dates back to the epoch of paganism and Hellenism (I century BC). It was supposed to have been dedicated to the pagan gods of the Sun Mithra.
As a result of the strong earthquake in 1679 the temple was almost completely destroyed, and it was restored during the years of 1966-1976. The Armenian kings were very fond of this place – and not just for the sake of its impregnability, but also due its stunning climate, and which they turned into their summer residence.
Near the temple are the remains of an ancient fortress and a royal palace, as well as a bathhouse built in the 3rd century. The building included minimum five rooms for various purposes. The floors are decorated with Hellenistic mosaic.
The fortress of Garni occupies the triangular cape dominating over the adjacent area, surrounded by the Azat River on both sides, a deep gorge, and the steep slopes serve as an impregnable natural boundary. The citadel protected inhabitants from foreign invasions for more than 1000 years.
