The temple of Garni is one of the architectural and religious attractions of Armenia. This ancient pagan temple dedicated to Mithras - pagan God of the sun, a heavenly light and justice. It is located 28 km from the Armenian capital, near the village of Garni, on the Cape, perched above the gorge of the Azat river.

Estimated the date of construction of the temple is the second half of I century - the reign of the Armenian king Trdat I. After the adoption of Christianity by Armenia almost all pagan shrines were destroyed, the temple of Mithras is the only survivor.

Garni temple is made in the classical Greek style of architecture and in appearance resembles the famous temple of Athena. The facade of the temple is decorated with 24 slender ionic columns, which are crowned by a roof with a triangular pediment. The Foundation of the Church - high basalt podium with access via a wide staircase from the front. One of the features of the temple is its luxurious finishes, pointing to the high level of development of sculpture in ancient Armenia. Inside the monastery near the altar was a statue of Mithras, so that all who came to worship God, could see her.

In 1679 in Armenia there was a strong earthquake that destroyed many buildings, including the temple at Garni. The wreckage of the temple can be found throughout the gorge of the Azat river. In the early 1930s Yerevan famous architect N. G. Buniatyan examined Garni and made the project of reconstruction of the temple. Thanks to the work of experienced specialists and local residents, who for years collected a wide spread pieces of the building of the temple on the surrounding slopes, 1966-1976, the Shrine was restored.

Pagan temple of Garni is the only monument of the Hellenistic period in Armenia. Near the temple you can see the remains of an ancient fortification facility, the Royal Palace and the building of the baths, erected in article III.