Noravank

The Noravank Monastic Complex represents one of the loftiest achievements of medieval Armenian architecture and a thoroughly unique gem of global cultural heritage. This monumental complex is situated within the Vayots Dzor Province, approximately three kilometers northeast of the abandoned village of Amaghu, perched on a narrow ledge of a breathtaking canyon carved by an Arpa River tributary, surrounded by towering, sheer, brick-red volcanic cliffs. While monastic life on this site dates back to the early medieval period, the official foundation of the complex is traced to 1105, when Bishop Hovhannes, the former abbot of Vahanavank, established his episcopal seat here. During the 13th and 14th centuries, the monastery grew into the dynastic sepulcher of the prominent Orbelian princely family and the official residence of the metropolitans of Syunik, evolving into a major spiritual, educational, and cultural center closely intertwined with the celebrated Gladzor University. The structural layout of the complex encompasses various architectural layers, centered around the main Surb Stepanos Nakhavka Church with its adjoining gavit, the Surb Grigor chapel-sepulcher of the Orbelians, and the freestanding, two-story Surb Astvatsatsin sepulcher-church, also widely known as Burtelashen. The architectural style of Noravank mirrors the absolute refinement of late medieval Armenian artistic thought, brought to fruition by master builders like the architect Siranes and the legendary sc

Monasteries & Churches