Like other monasteries in Armenia, Khor Virap, or The Deep Dungeon, looks very much like some old feudal castle from a distance. The place is very significant in Armenia's history due to the fact it is where you'll find the prison cell where Gregory The Illuminator was incarcerated for 13 years by Tiridates late 2nd century. You can actually descend down a metal ladder down into this cell some 60m underground ! Wear sturdy shoes. On a clear day there are excellent views of Mt Ararat, across the border in Turkey. I found that the best views can be had if you exit the monastery grounds in the back and climb the slope towards the large cross. From there you can actually frame the whole monastery and combine shots of the cross with Mt Ararat.

this monastery is probably more famous for its backdrop (mount ararat) than anything else. i waited for 5 days for the weather to clear up, and on my second last day in armenia, the sun came out, the clouds went hiding, and i practically ran to khor virap. but i think the best view for mount ararat is at yeraskh (very close to border to turkey / azerbaijan), which i stumbled upon serendipitously. many of the apricot blossom starts blooming in second half of march, so you will have that as your foreground and mount ararat as the backdrop. the scene is absolutely gorgeous and i have a hard time keeping my eyes on the road.

The place is a must visit if you ever go to Armenia. The view of mount Ararat is just breadth taking from the church complex. Perfect place to relax and enjoy the amazing stunning view.

Very nice spot. Lovely church, interesting features and religious services. Stunning landscape, "postcard-feeling" due to its locatin very close to the border with Turkey and its stunning view over the Ararat. A must see when in Armenia.

Khor Virap was a blast to visit. The location of this monastery gives you some of the best views of Mt. Ararat. Combine a historical and religious symbol with Ararat and the surrounding natural scenery, and you have a view that is stunningly beautiful. Everyone who visits Armenia owes it to themselves to visit Khor Virap. You won’t regret it.

The day I visited Khor Vrap it was with a tour company very early in the morning. We had to get to the tour site at 4:30 a.m. and to the site almost 6:00 a.m. st sunrise.Because the tour was to other sites, this was our first stop. With all this, the area is stunning especially with the sunrise which made it more special. This site is the best to view Mount Ararat in all it splendour. Even though it was early morning and little bit cold and foggy over Mount Ararat it is still the best view to see it. The Khor Monastery is also beautiful and there's a garden behind the monastery. I will 100% recommend this site to all visitors to Armenia.

Ararat is beautiful from everywhere in Armenia. From Khor Virap it opens up in a unique way. Pick a day when it is visible. The monastery is beautiful too. Although there are many beautiful monasteries in Armenia, this one is a home to the beginning of the Christian faith in Armenia.

This place is a favourite of tourists because it is the best place to take photos of the symbol of Armenia. We travelled here from Yerevan with a private guide. A good drive got us there quickly. The monastery itself is interesting, but the panorama is really fantastic. The most important part of the monastery is a well, where Saint Gregory the Illuminator (who spread Christianity) was imprisoned for 13 years. You have to climb down an iron ladder through a narrow hole. I recommend only for fit people and for those who are not afraid of heights or claustrophobic.