Noravank Monastery

Noravank is one of the most magnificent medieval monastic complexes of Armenia. It stands near the village of Amaghu — which is why it is often called Noravank of Amaghu — in a gorge of red volcanic rocks that further emphasises its unique beauty.

Noravank was founded in the 9th century but was mainly rebuilt in the 13th–14th centuries. The only source on its foundation is Stepanos Orbelian's “History of the Province of Sisakan”, written at Noravank itself; in its time the monastery was a major cultural, educational and manuscript centre, closely linked to the University of Gladzor and Tatev Monastery.

The complex includes the Holy Mother of God Church (Burtelashen), the Church of St. Stephen Nakhavka with its narthex on the west, and the Church of St. Gregory. Above the narthex entrance, a carving crowning the window shows a large image of God the Father, something unique in Armenian medieval sculpture, and the famous khachkar memorial of the miniaturist, architect and sculptor Momik stands on the south side of Burtelashen.

The Church of St. Gregory is the tomb of Stepanos Orbelian. Its chapel-crypt was built in 1275 by the architect Siranes, and ten members of the Orbelian family are buried there.

Yes — ONE WAY Tour's tours from Yerevan stop here; they are listed on this page.