The cross in the Geghard Cliff Monastery
Geghard Monastery an ancient religious site located in the Azat Valley of Armenia is famous for its intricate rock carvings Inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2000 due to its historical and architectural significance the monastery features complex 13th-century rock carvings on its walls a rock-carved church a burial chamber and a sacred well within a cave. Skylights on the rock domes are designed to allow sunlight to filter in
creating a sacred atmosphere within the deeply carved chambers. It is believed that the spear that pierced Jesus' side during the crucifixion the stone cross the sacred spear or the spear of destiny were once kept here during the 13th century.
The monastery reflects a strong faith in Christianity and obedience to the authority of the Catholic Church. Although regional differences develop into language and culture the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral in Armenia built in the 7th century c. 643-652 AD. were destroyed by an earthquake in the 10th century and the ruins were rediscovered in the early 20th century. Originally a three-tiered circular cathedral reaching 49 meters in height it was considered the tallest cathedral at that time.
