Azat Canyon: Armenia's most spectacular basalt columns

The Azat Canyon — also known as the Azat Gorge or Azat Ravine — is one of the most impressive geological formations in Armenia. Carved by the Azat River over thousands of years into the volcanic rock, this canyon features hexagonal basalt columns up to 50 metres tall, known locally as "the Symphony of Stones", which are reminiscent of the famous Giant's Causeway in Ireland.

The basalt columns: the "Symphony of Stones"

The most fascinating feature of Azat Canyon is its hexagonal basalt columns, created by the rapid cooling of volcanic lava millions of years ago. These perfectly geometric, dark grey columns rise along the canyon walls, forming visual compositions that resemble a stone organ. The local nickname "Symphony of Stones" is enormously apt for describing this unique landscape.

Cañón Azat Armenia — columnas de basalto hexagonales conocidas como la Sinfonía de las Piedras, cerca de Garni
The basalt columns of Azat Canyon, Armenia's "Symphony of Stones", beside the Garni Temple.

The Azat River and the canyon's geology

The Azat River has carved a canyon with steep walls over thousands of years into the volcanic plateau surrounding Yerevan. The basalt formations, a result of the volcanism that shaped much of the Armenian landscape, are combined here with caves eroded by water and vegetation that colonises every crack in the rock. The result is a landscape of unique geological beauty in the Caucasus.

Combined visit: Garni and Geghard

Azat Canyon is always visited alongside the Garni Temple, the only Greco-Roman pagan temple preserved in Armenia, and Geghard Monastery, partly carved into the living rock of the canyon and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The three visits form the most popular one-day itinerary from Yerevan. Check our guides to Garni and Geghard to plan your excursion.

Practical information

  • Distance from Yerevan: 28 km, about 40 minutes by car.
  • Access: the canyon can be seen from the Garni Temple or by taking the trail down to the river.
  • Duration: the full excursion Garni + Azat Canyon + Geghard requires a full day.

Frequently asked questions

What are the basalt columns of Azat Canyon?

They are natural geological formations of hexagonal basalt created by the rapid cooling of volcanic lava millions of years ago. In Azat Canyon, near the Garni Temple, they form walls up to 50 metres high with perfect geometry that make them look like a stone organ — hence the name "Symphony of Stones".

How do you see Azat Canyon in Armenia?

Azat Canyon is visited together with the Garni Temple, 28 km from Yerevan. From the temple you can see the basalt columns on the canyon walls. To descend to the river and see the columns up close, there is a trail taking about 20–30 minutes downhill. Many day tours from Yerevan combine Garni, the canyon and Geghard.

Is Azat Canyon similar to Giant's Causeway in Ireland?

The geological formation is similar: hexagonal basalt columns created by the cooling of volcanic lava. However, the columns of Azat Canyon are vertical and form canyon walls, while those of Giant's Causeway are more horizontal. Both are extraordinary, and Azat Canyon is far less well known and crowded.