At Garni Temple, a Dialogue with 2,300 Years of History

In Garni village of Kotayk Province, about 28 kilometers east of Yerevan, Armenia's capital, stands the Garni Temple, known as the "Greece of the Caucasus." This 2,300-year-old structure is the easternmost intact Hellenistic temple in the world and the only Greek-Roman columned building in the former Soviet region. Stepping into the temple, you're surrounded by 24 Ionic columns with elegant spiral decorations on their capitals and triangular pediments, perfectly recreating the essence of Athens' Parthenon. Built in the 1st century CE, it was originally a sanctuary dedicated to "Mihr," the Armenian version of the Persian sun god "Mithra," carrying the faith and wishes of ancient Armenians. An earthquake in 1679 destroyed it, and it wasn't until the 1970s that Soviet archaeologists restored it using the scattered components. Beyond the temple, the surrounding Roman bath ruins and royal summer palace remains are equally worth exploring. The exquisite mosaic floor of the Roman baths still reveals its past luxury despite the passage of time; while the royal summer palace, though reduced to ruins, still allows visitors to imagine its former glory. Travel Tips: Opening hours: 9:00 - 20:00 (advisable to confirm before visiting) Admission: Adults 1500 AMD, Students 125 AMD with valid ID Transportation: Take public bus route 266 from Yerevan city center, or join a tour/hire a car from Republic Square Recommended itinerary: Garni Temple is only 7 kilometers from Geghard Monastery; consider visiting both on the same day to experience the charm of different historical sites.