The Symphony of Stones in Garni is probably one of the most unique natural monuments in Armenia.
This gorgeous landscape never fails to amaze me, no matter how many times I visit. I want to share my experience and help anyone interested in seeing this stunning place.
In this guide, I will explain how to visit Symphony of Stones in Garni, Armenia, and what to know before visiting. I will also provide useful information for travelers who are visiting Armenia for the first time and want to see it.
How to Visit Symphony of Stones in Garni, Armenia
As I’ve mentioned, the Symphony of Stones in Garni is truly a mesmerizing place, known for its unique geographical location and the pentagonal or hexagonal shapes of the massive basalt columns.
I saw similar shapes of basalt stones while I was visiting Iceland. That states that nature is amazing and can create so many similar wonders around the globe, thousands of kilometers away from one another.
I’m happy to know that I’ve visited two of them so far, and one of them is located in my home country.
The History of Symphony of Stones in Garni
According to several sources, the Symphony of Stones in Garni Gorge was formulated approximately 40 million years ago because of crystallization lava that was flowing down to the gorge from surrounding mountains.
As the lava cooled, it solidified into hexagonal and pentagonal basalt columns, some reaching up to 50 meters (164 feet) in height, dramatically hanging from the edge of the gorge. These formations stretch for several kilometers along the river flowing into the Azat Reservoir.
Over time, locals began calling these rock formations the ‘Symphony of Stones,’ as the columns remind the pipes of a basalt organ (musical instruments).
How to Get to Symphony of Stones in Garni
The Symphony of Stones is located 27 kilometers (17 miles) away from Yerevan in the Garni village right below the Temple of Garni in the Garni Gorge alone side of the Azat River.
The site itself is located around 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) away from Garni Temple. It’s a 7-minute drive on a well-paved road or a 35-minute hike down to the gorge.
Useful tip: If you are planning to visit Garni Temple I suggest visiting the Geghard Monastery first then on the way back visit the Symphony of Stones and then the temple. This will save you some time and will help you avoid crowds.
Symphony of Stones Entrance Fee and Working Hours
The entrance fee for Symphony of Stones is 300 AMD (approx $1). You can buy the ticket for a small boot next to the entrance. The working hours are from 09:00 AM to 18:00.
The parking fee is 200 AMD (less dollar). Also, the Symphony of Stone is accessible to people with wheelchairs.
What to Expect and To Do At The Symphony of Stones
It will take you approximately one hour to visit the Symphony of Stones in Garni. After purchasing your ticket, start walking down a paved road, and to your sight will appear massive basalt columns. On the left side, you will see the river Azat with a strong current.
In the territory of the Symphony of Stones is also located the 11th-century Azat bridge, a semi-circular and single-span 10-meter (32-foot) long and 5-meter-high (16-foot) ancient bridge made of the same basalt stones. The bridge has free access.
Further on, you will see the different curves of the basalt formation that will impress you tremendously. You can see already broken hexagon or pentagon-shaped rocks “growing” from the ground.
Important to know: While visiting the Symphony of Stones, ensure you follow the safety instructions. Some parts of the area have signs saying it’s not safe to stand in certain areas for too long because those rock formations tend to fall, and it’s not safe.
At one of the beautiful spots, you can find a small cafe next to the rock formations where you can get some Armenian coffee or drink water from pulpulak from the mountains behind the cafe.
The further road is an unpaved road along the side of the river and also part of the hiking trail that starts from the Garni temple and goes to the Azat reservoir.
Fun Tip: Symphony of Stones is one of the best places for wedding photos. If by chance you just got married and visiting Garni, then grab your wedding dress and have some fun photoshoots.
On the way back, if the uphill road will be a bit difficult to walk, you can use a small train-looking Garni Express car that for extra pay will drive you up. The price is around 300 AMD (less than $1).
In the parking area, there is a restaurant called Garni Ishxananoc where they grow their fish, Armenian trout, and if you are hungry and want to have a traditional Armenian food experience, including Armenian BBQ, fish on fire, and other Armenian dishes, then I can recommend you to stop by.
Additional Tip While Visiting Symphony of Stones
On the way to the Symphony of Stones, not many visitors (even locals) know that a small and beautiful 12th-century Mashtots Hayrapet Church is located on the left side of the road between the houses. I will mention the location on the map, and if you have an extra 15 minutes, you can visit it.
How To Visit Symphony of Stones on a Map
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