Noravank Monastery

Included in UNESCO List of World Heritage with a two-storeyed dormitory-church. Type: Monastic complex Age: IV-XIV cc. Region: Vayots Dzor Diocese: Siunik Altitude: 1550

This monastic complex is a masterpiece by the 13^th century architect Momik. The complex is located 122 km. from Yerevan in a narrow canyon made by a tributary of Arpa River and is an extraordinary place for pilgrimage. The surrounding cliffs offer a spectacular backdrop of mineral colours reflected from the sun. The place is true witness of centuries history and is famous for St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) St. Karapet (the Forerunner) and St. Grigor (Gregory) churches. The monastery has been a seat for the bishop of Siunik and soon a major religious and cultural centre of Armenia closely connected with many of the local educational centres, especially with famous Gladzor University and library.

The breathtaking church of the monastery is St. Astvatsatsin a two-storied building with an open-air church. The church is also called Burtelashen in honor of Prince Burtel Orbelian.

St. Karapet was once destroyed during the earthquake but restored. It is impressively decorated with splendid khachkars (cross-stones). The church of St. Karapet is fascinating for the decoration on the door as it is one of the unique churches where the God Father’s image is figured.

The complex has many khachkars coming from the ancient centuries with marvellous carvings and cultural masterpieces. It has been the birthplace of Momiks’ and his students’ so-called “embroidered” khachkars (cross-stones).

Miracles/Legends:

Coming from the ancient ages and serving as a religious and cultural centre throughout the years Noravank is full of mysterious stories and historical events.

The founder of the monastery Bishop Hovhannes led a holy life and made numerous miracles.

It is also worth mentioning that Noravank once treasured a piece of the true cross-stained with the blood of Christ, brought by a mysterious stranger.

Visit Noravank Monastery via following packages:

Armenia and the Armenians | 14 days, 15 nights

Destinations/Sites: Alex and Marie Manoogian Treasury House Museum, Amberd St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Etchmiadzin Cathedral Museum, Gandzasar Monastery, Geghard Monastery (Ayrivank), Gyumri St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Haghartsin Monastery, Haghpat Monastery, Hripsime Church, Khor Virap Monastery, Marmashen Monastery, Matenadaran after St. Mesrop Mashtotz, Noravank Monastery, Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtotz Church, Pontifical Residence Museum, Sanahin Monastery, Sevanavank Monastery, Tegher Monastery
Regions: Aragatsotn,  Ararat,  Armavir,  Gegharkounik,  Karabakh,  Kotayk,  Lori,  Shirak,  Tavush,  Vayots Dzor,  Yerevan
Dioceses: Aragatsotn,  Araratian Pontifical Diocese,  Artsakh,  Gegharkounik,  Gougark,  Shirak,  Siunik,  Under the auspice of the Mother See
Recommended for: First time visitors with moderate spiritual experience
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From Noah till Nowadays | 12 days, 13 nights

Destinations/Sites: Amberd St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Etchmiadzin Cathedral Museum, Gayane Church, Geghard Monastery (Ayrivank), Gyumri St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Haghartsin Monastery, Haghpat Monastery, Hayravank Monastery, Hripsime Church, Karmravor Church, Khor Virap Monastery, Makaravank Monastery, Marmashen Monastery, Matenadaran after St. Mesrop Mashtotz, Mughni Monastery (St. Gevork Monastery), Noratus Khachkar (Cross-Stone) “Forest”, Noravank Monastery, Odzun St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtotz Church, Pontifical Residence Museum, Saghmosavank Monastery, Sanahin Monastery, Sevanavank Monastery, Shoghakat Church, Vanadzor Srbots Mankants (Holy Children) Chapel, Yerevan St. Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator) Cathedral, Yerevan Surb Yerrordutiun (Holy Trinity) Church, Zvartnots Cathedral
Regions: Aragatsotn,  Ararat,  Armavir,  Gegharkounik,  Kotayk,  Lori,  Shirak,  Tavush,  Vayots Dzor,  Yerevan
Dioceses: Aragatsotn,  Araratian Pontifical Diocese,  Gegharkounik,  Gougark,  Shirak,  Siunik,  Under the auspice of the Mother See
Recommended for: First time visitors with moderate spiritual experience
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Holy Relics and Shrines | 7 days, 8 nights

Destinations/Sites: Alex and Marie Manoogian Treasury House Museum, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Etchmiadzin Cathedral Museum, Gandzasar Monastery, Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, Goshavank (Nor Getik) Monastery, Haghpat Monastery, Hovhannavank Monastery, Matenadaran after St. Mesrop Mashtotz, Mughni Monastery (St. Gevork Monastery), Noravank Monastery, Odzun St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtotz Church, Tatev Monastery, Yerevan St. Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator) Cathedral, Yerevan St. Zoravor Church, Zvartnots Cathedral
Regions: Aragatsotn,  Armavir,  Karabakh,  Lori,  Syunik,  Tavush,  Vayots Dzor,  Yerevan
Dioceses: Aragatsotn,  Araratian Pontifical Diocese,  Artsakh,  Gougark,  Siunik,  Under the auspice of the Mother See
Recommended for: First time visitors with moderate spiritual experience
Apply Now!