Khor Virap is a monastery located in the Ararat plain of Armenia, near the border with Turkey. It is famous for its stunning view of the towering Mount Ararat, the national symbol of Armenia.
The monastery was established in the 4th century, making it one of the oldest in Armenia. It is believed that Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who is credited with converting Armenia to Christianity, was imprisoned in a pit at the site for 13 years before being released by King Tiridates III. This event marked the beginning of Christianity as the state religion of Armenia.
The monastery complex consists of several buildings, including the Church of the Holy Mother of God, which was built in the 17th century on the site of an earlier church. The complex also includes a chapel, a bell tower, and various monastic buildings.
Today, Khor Virap is a popular pilgrimage site for Armenians and tourists alike. Visitors can climb down into the pit where Saint Gregory was imprisoned, and there are stunning views of Mount Ararat and the surrounding countryside from the monastery grounds.