Noravanq

 

The monastic complex of Noravanq, built in the 13-14 centuries, can rightfully be called one of
the priceless pearls of Armenian medieval architecture. Noravanq is located amidst wonderful
sheer red rocks near the picturesque gorge of the Arpa River tributary, 122 km from Yerevan.
The monastery complex of Noravanq was founded by Bishop Hovhannes in 1205. The complex
includes the Surb Karapet church, the St. Grigor chapel and the St. Astvatsatsin church.
Noravanq was also the residence of the Armenian noble family of Orbelyans.
In the 13-14 centuries an outstanding miniaturist and sculptor Momik and architect Siranes
worked on the construction of the complex. The fortress walls of the monastery were erected in
the 17-18 centuries.
The most ancient building of the monastery is the St. Karapet church, built in the 9-10th
centuries, which reached us in the dilapidated state. In 1216-1223 the main temple of the
monastery was also built, bearing the name of Surb Karapet. In 1275, the St. Grigor Church, the
burial-vault of Prince Smbat Orbelian, from the north side of the church was attached.
The most magnificent building of the monastery complex is the two-floor church of Surb
Astvatsatsin, built under Prince Burtel Orbelian in 1339. The building is rightfully considered a
unique architectural monument. Especially beautiful is the facade of the building, on which two
cantilever stairs, leading to the second floor, are installed. Above the entrance door of the first
floor there is a bas-relief with the image of The Mother of God with baby Christ, above the upper
entrance there are figures of Christ and the apostles Peter and Paul depicted.
Thanks to the magnificent buildings of medieval architects and the beautiful landscape around
the monastery complex, Noravanq has become one of the main tourist destinations. Tourists
come here to admire the beauty of historical monuments and local nature not only from various
corners of Armenia, but from all over the world.
In 2002, all the churches of the monastery complex of Noravanq were completely restored.
Noravanq is included in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.