- TURY.CLUB
- Tourist Objects
- Armenia
- Garni
- Temple of Mithra
The Temple of Mithra in Garni is a unique pre-Christian architectural monument of Armenia, located on a rocky plateau in the village of Garni, not far from Yerevan. It is the only fully preserved Hellenistic pagan temple in the post-Soviet region. Built in the 1st century AD by order of Armenian King Tiridates I, the temple is believed to have been dedicated to Mihr — the Armenian form of the ancient Persian deity Mithra, symbolizing the sun, justice, and royal power.
The architecture of the temple follows the Corinthian order and reflects a synthesis of Greco-Roman, Persian, and local styles. The structure stands on a high podium, surrounded by 24 columns, and features reliefs on its pediment. The inner sanctum was intended for rituals associated with sun and fire worship — key elements in Zoroastrian and Mithraic traditions. Its setting against the mountainous landscape enhances its cosmological and spiritual significance.
Today, the Temple of Garni stands as a symbol of Armenia’s pre-Christian heritage and is a major cultural and tourist attraction. It draws archaeologists, historians, and spiritual seekers interested in ancient religious traditions. The Temple of Mithra in Garni remains a vivid reminder of Armenia’s ancient civilization and its connections to the great cultures of both East and West.
