The Steps of Geghard - stock photo

21st May 2018. Kotayk, Armenia. This is a photograph of the beautiful grounds, water courses and landscape gardens of Geghard medieval monastery in the Kotayk province of Armenia. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the main chapel was built in 1215, the monastery complex was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator at the site of a sacred spring inside a cave. Geghard means the Monastery of the Spear, and originates from the spear which had wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion, allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Jude. The surrounding gardens are popular with revelers who enjoy the flora and fauna of the gardens.