Goris is one of the cities in Armenia that will easily just blow you away. It is different and for a city of small size, there is quite a bit to do there and in the surrounding area.

The southern part of Armenia has always fascinated us and we finally decided to explore it more thoroughly.

Goris is located 254 kilometers away from Yerevan and is the second-largest city in the region of Syunik.

The first time Goris was mentioned was in the Urartian kingdom times by King Rusa I (735-713 BC) as a part of his mighty kingdom. It was called Goristsa country.

Over the centuries, Goris has seen invasions from Persia (modern-day Iran), rulers of the Russian Empire, and later the Soviet Union. Still, during all of that chaos, it kept its unique and beautiful traditions, including its architecture and religion.

The city is divided by the river Vararak and has both old and modern parts to it. In Old Goris, people still lived in medieval cave dwellings and stone pyramids until the mid 20th century. They also resided at St. Hripsime Church, built in the 4th century.

The biggest and most beautiful church in Goris is St. Gregory the Illuminator. It was founded in 1903 and is located in the heart of the city.

As you enter the complex of the church, you will see a lovely garden where you can observe the outside of the church walls and its surroundings.

Plan your visit to Goris and a wealth of other attractions in Armenia, well-known and undiscovered, using our tour itinerary planning tool. We can design a complete itinerary for you including suggestions of our favourite places and things to see. We’ll book all your accommodation and transport, and of course we’ll drive you anywhere you like along the way.

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