Surb Sion church in Garni

Surb Sion is a church within the Garni Fortress complex, featuring traditional Armenian ecclesiastical design with fine stone carvings throughout. The structure displays characteristic details that are typical of medieval Armenian churches.

The church was built between the 7th and 10th centuries after Armenia adopted Christianity as its official religion. Its development reflects the architectural changes that took place during this period of religious transformation.

The church displays Armenian building elements like detailed stone carvings and cross motifs that shape how the place looks today. Local residents gather here for religious celebrations, continuing practices that have been passed down through many generations.

The church is best reached from Yerevan by joining organized tours or taking a minibus to Garni village followed by a short walk. Bring sturdy shoes and be prepared for changing weather, as the surroundings are hilly and sometimes windy.

The building contains many khachkars, Armenian cross-stones, both built into the walls and scattered around the grounds. These carved stones are examples of medieval craftsmanship and show how important religious symbols were in Armenian culture.