The symbol of the pillar of the Garni temple

The symbol of the column 

in the Greek-Roman temple of Carni

The structure of the Garni Temple is the easternmost structure of the Greek-Roman sun god Mihr the only well preserved Ionic temple in the former Soviet Union. The Garni Temple is the best known symbol of pre-Christian Armenia. Excavations in the early and middle 19th centuries renovated the temple and partly rebuilt it in 1969–75 making it the central shrine of the Hetan cult and a tourist attraction in Armenia. The temple is a central area for ritual and offerings. The cella was designed to house a statue of the god Mihr. It is the only temple with Greek Roman columns in Armenia. The pagan Ionic temple in the village of Garni in Armenia is the best-known structure and symbol of pre-Christian Armenia. The architecture has been in disrepair for about 300 years.

In 1909–1911 scattered quartzite was collected near the base of the temple. From the famous scientist Nikoghayos Mar of the beautiful structures of Armenia. This oldest building in Armenia collapsed in 1679 due to a major earthquake. This temple is called Trdat's Couch. The Garni temple was built in 77 and stood for about 1600 years. The mosaic of the palace building next to the temple is one of the most beautiful monumental architectural works of ancient Armenia. The sea and the seascape. The mosaic floor of the bathhouse is made of natural stone depicting the sea and its gods fish numerous mermaids geometric patterns and mythological scenes of the gods of the sea. Decorated and carved with detailed artistic insights and religious symbols of that time.

Garni Gorge Symphony of the Stones, Armenia

Symbolism of the pillars of the Garni temple

Many pillars and stones from the past have disappeared. In 1969-1975, until the joint project of the architect A. Sahinian and the scientist Nikoghayos Mar searched for traces in a place far from Garni. The restored Garni temple was restored by the project of the architect A. Sahinian and under his direct supervision. The palace complex is located next to the temple in the central Armenian village of Garni about 30 km east of Yerevan. In March 2025 Armenia submitted 

the “Archaeological Complex of Garni and the Basalt Columns” or “Symphony of the Rocks” to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List expressing its intention to nominate the fortress and its nephew Garni. The 24-column temple is believed to have been dedicated to the Armenian sun god Mihr. The foundation of the Garni temple is linked to Gegam the grandson of Haik Nahapet. The 24 column structure is one of the most unique and long standing structures in Armenia.