KOTAYK — Located in the heart of Armenia, the Kotayk region offers a unique blend of cultural treasures and natural wonders. From ancient temples to breathtaking landscapes, Kotayk captivates both history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

GARNI PAGAN TEMPLE — Built in the 1st century AD, the Garni Temple stands in the village of Garni in Kotayk. According to the Armenian historian Movses Khorenatsi, this was the residence of Garni—grandson of the legendary patriarch Hayk. Like many Christian churches in Armenia, the early Christian structures were often built atop or beside ancient pagan temples.

Garni is the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia and is a masterpiece of Greco-Roman architecture. It was dedicated to Mihr, the god of the sun. Saint Gregory the Illuminator later built a Christian church on a higher spot nearby to symbolize the dominance of Christianity. Though the church has not survived, its foundations remain.

Next to the temple is a reconstructed Roman-style bathhouse, testifying to the existence of a refined bathing culture in Armenia as early as the 1st century. No visit to Armenia is complete without experiencing the wonder of Garni.