Garni Temple

The basics

While Garni Temple has been stunningly restored—you can admire the Greek-style colonnades and stone inscriptions—it is best appreciated with a guide who can explain the significance of the pre-Christian temple and its history. Many people visit with tours starting from Yerevan, which typically include stops at multiple sites, such as the nearby Geghard Monastery or Lake Sevan. Most tours spend around an hour at the temple; book a private tour if you’d like to allocate more time.

Things to know before you go

• Bring your own water, especially if you’re visiting in the heat of summer.

• There’s very little shade here, except for the temple steps, so pack a hat.

• Don’t forget a camera or smartphone to take photographs: The ancient temple, surrounded by rolling hills in the distance, makes for dramatic pictures.

• Restrooms are available on-site, as well as souvenir stands.

• The town of Garni has plenty of places to stop for lunch, although you won’t find any food or snacks for sale at Garni Temple.

• There’s no signage explaining the temple’s history, so consider paying for a guided tour to add context to your visit.

How to get there

Garni Temple is located around 18 miles (30 kilometers) east of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Visitors can reach the site by taxi, although it’s best to arrange a round-trip ride or you might have trouble getting back to Yerevan. Adventurous travelers can consider taking a marshrutka (shared minibus) from Gai Bus Station to Garni and then walking. Alternatively, join a tour that includes transportation—many also include hotel transfers.

When to get there

Garni Temple is open daily year-round, except for holidays. The site keeps extended evening hours during the summer months. To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for a weekday morning or late afternoon. Come ahead of sunset for the best lighting conditions for photographs, when the hills behind the temple are bathed in buttery light.

Visiting Geghard, the monastery carved from rock

Located just a 15-minute drive from Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery shouldn’t be missed when sightseeing in the region. One of Armenia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, the complex features chapels and churches hewn directly from the cliffside. The monastery also stands out for its spectacular setting, set over a gorge and surrounded by craggy peaks.