Geghard Monastery, Armenia

Wonderful monastery founded in the fourth century by Gregory the Illuminator, the first leader of the Armenian church. 

It is partially dug into the cliffs, by expanding a natural cave; it was built at this site because there is a sacred spring inside the cave. The monastery was originally called Ayrivank, "the Monastery of the Cave". 

"Geghard" means spear; this became "the Monastery of the Spear", when what was said to be the spear which had wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion was brought here. 

The main church was completed in 1215.

Many wonderful bits of medieval sculpture.

Three-D model and "virtual pilgrimage" here.