Armenia's Khor Virap Monastery

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James Blake Wiener
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published on 15 March 2018
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Khor Virap is an ancient Armenian monastery located near the border with Turkey some 8 km (5 mi) from the town of Artashat, Armenia. It is situated on the Ararat Plain and offers fantastic views of Mt. Ararat in good weather. Legend has it that St. Gregory the Illuminator (c. 257-c. 331 CE) was imprisoned here for 14 years by Tiridates III of Armenia (r. 287-330 CE). Historical record states that a chapel built on the site by Catholicos Nerses III (r. 641-661 CE) — who was also responsible for the construction of Zvartnots Cathedral — in 642 CE. Continuously reconstructed througout the centuries, Khor Virap remains one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in modern Armenia.

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About the Author

James Blake Wiener
James is a writer and former Professor of History. He holds an MA in World History with a particular interest in cross-cultural exchange and world history. He is a co-founder of World History Encyclopedia and formerly was its Communications Director.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Wiener, J. B. (2018, March 15). Armenia's Khor Virap Monastery. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8347/armenias-khor-virap-monastery/

Chicago Style

Wiener, James Blake. "Armenia's Khor Virap Monastery." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified March 15, 2018. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8347/armenias-khor-virap-monastery/.

MLA Style

Wiener, James Blake. "Armenia's Khor Virap Monastery." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 15 Mar 2018. Web. 21 Nov 2024.

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