Cudillero

Garni is an ancient Cliffside temple located in Armenia's Kotayk Province. Built as a temple to the sun god Mihr in the 1st century AD, it is the only fully intact Greco-Roman structure from pre-Christian Armenia. The temple is a single room, made from basalt blocks laid out in a rhomboid shape, with the entrance facing east towards the sun. Inside the temple, one can admire the delicate basalt carving and the intricate acoustics of the structure. This design was typical of Pagan Armenian temples and it is remarkable for how well it has preserved over 2,000 years. Adjacent to the temple stands the Garni Fortress, a citadel from the 16th century built as a royal residence. Built by king Ashot Yerkat, the fortress was destroyed and partially reconstructed several times until its ruins were restored in the mid-20th century. The Garni complex also features a majestic triple-arched Roman bridge, which dates back to the 11th century. Garni is a symbol of the rich cultural history and heritage of Armenia, and its picturesque setting amidst the dramatic gorges of the Azat River makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.