Early Photography > Armenia, 2004

Monastery of the Spear
Monastery of the Spear

Tucked away at the end of a rugged gorge, Geghardavank or "Monastery of the Spear" dates from the 12th century and was named after the spearhead-shaped metal object that was once housed here and with which, according to legend, Christ was wounded. Hollowed out of the steep surrounding cliffs, it is also known as the "Monastery of the Cave." The two pillars depicted in this image were carve out of solid stone.