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Noravank Monastery

Region

Vayots Dzor

Distance from Yerevan

118.9 km

Type

Monastery/Church

"One of the most magnificent medieval monastic complexes of Armenia, Noravank, is often called Noravank of Amaghu, as it is located near the village of Amaghu. It has a unique and extremely impressive architectural style that is hard to confuse with any other complex. Noravank is situated in a gorge of red volcanic rocks, which further emphasizes its unique beauty. Noravank was founded in the 9th century but was mainly rebuilt in the 13th-14th centuries. The Noravank monastic complex consists of the Holy Mother of God Church (Burtelashen), the Saint Stephen Nakhavka Church, the narthex adjacent to it from the west, the Church of Saint Gregory (the tomb of Stepanos Orbelian), remains of medieval chapels and buildings, and a newly built monastery. Due to its rich sculptures, exceptional khachkars (cross-stones), and numerous valuable inscriptions, Noravank is considered a unique cultural heritage."

Interesting

facts about Noravank Monastery

Facts

Noravank was a major cultural, educational, and manuscript center of its time, closely connected to the University of Gladzor and Tatev Monastery.

On the southern side of the Church of the Holy Mother of God (Burtelashen), the famous cross-stone memorial of the miniaturist, architect, and sculptor Momik has been preserved.

Above the entrance to the narthex of the Church of Saint Stephen, there is a carving crowning the window, in the center of which is a large image of God the Father, something that is unique in Armenian medieval sculpture.

The chapel-crypt of Saint Gregory church was built in 1275 by the architect Siranes. Ten members of the Orbelian royal family are buried here.

The only and irreplaceable source of the history of Noravank's foundation is Stepannos Orbelian's ""History of the Province of Sisakan,"" which was written in Noravank itself."

Weather in Vayots Dzor

The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for Noravank Monastery depends on the weather conditions.

Sights

near Noravank Monastery

Areni Winery

10 km

Areni Holy Mother of God Church

10 km

Mozrov Cave

22 km

Hermon Monastery

22 km

Noravank Monastery on the map on Armenia