Noravank Monastery In Armenia: History,Facts, & Services

Noravank Monastery is a historical Armenian monastery located 123 kilometres south of the capital Yerevan in Vayots Dzor Province. It is situated in a narrow gorge of the Amaghu River near the city of Yeghegnadzor, Armenia. The complex was founded in the 13th century by Bishop Hovhannes, a former abbot of Vahanavank on the right bank of the Arpa river, who also founded the nearby church of St. Astvatsatsin, and upon his death in 1273 or 1289 was buried there. The monastery was greatly developed in the 14th century when it became the residence of Syunik's bishops and, consequently, a major religious and cultural center of Armenia. The two-storey monastery had an impressing facade, which was encircled by higher walls and two small chapels in the 11th century. St Karapet and St Astvatsatsin churches were reconstructed in 1339, from when the beautiful and intricate art works of masons, carvers and miniaturists began to appear. The main church of the monastery is Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), built in 1205 by Bishop Hovhannes. The church has two turrets, stone lintels and ornately carved portals, while the interior was decorated by the distinguished miniature painter, Momik, in the late 13th century with scenes from the New and Old Testament. Next to the Surb Astvatsatsin, the two-storied S. Karapet church was built in 1339 and it houses the shrines of many scriptures dated from the 16th and 17th centuries. The monastery is widely known for its khachkars (cross-stones), believed to have been created by the sculptor and miniaturist Momik, whose most famous masterpiece is the Holy Virgin depicted on stone, not to be found anywhere else. In general, the monastery consists of two churches (S. Karapet and S. Astvatsatsin), a priest's dwelling and a gavit (bell tower). In 2005, the Noravank complex was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

Explore Armenia most popular tourist destination with us. Noravank Monastery In Armenia: History,Facts, & Services,which is 35.14 km away from Armenia main town, is the most popular destination to add in your travel wishlist.

City:
Armenia
state:
Vayots Dzor
country:
Armenia
country code:
AM
postcode:
379520