45km from Yerevan. See location
Khor Virap means “deep dungeon”. It was a prison for the most important political prisoners and enemies of the state since the 2c. BC. It is the historical place where at the end of 3c. Gregory the Illuminator, the first patriarch of Armenia was held captive for 13 years. By mysterious circumstances, he was released in 301y. and Christianity was adopted as a state religion, the first time in the world’s history. There you can visit the dungeon. Also, it is the closest place to Ararat mountain, where you will enjoy an awesome view of the mountain.
