Noravank Monastery

Noravank (New Monastery) is an Armenian monastery near Yeghegnadzor. About 7 centuries old, it dates back to the 13th century AD, started by Bishop Hovhannes. The monastery consists of Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church, Surb Karapet (St. John the Baptist) church, and Surb Grigor (Saint Grigory) chapel. It also has many old khachkars. Surb Astvatsatsin was constructed by an architect named Momik, and the church is considered one of Momik’s best works. Noravank is considered to be a unique for its bas-relief where the image of God is pictured. 

Surb Karapet church and Surb Grigor chapel were both designed by another architect, Siranes. There are also many beautiful khachkars in the monastery, a unique form of Armenian art. The most notable of these in Noravank is one by Momik, which features a large cross over a shield-shaped rosette and salient eight-pointed stars vertically arranged on its sides. To this day, the whole of Noravank maintains a reputation of being a special and significant piece of Armenian architecture, as well as a staple of its strong Christian history.

The Legend of Noravank

According to the legend Momik fell in love with the daughter of the Prince of Syunik. The Prince called Momik and ordered him to build a monastery in 3 months and only after that he can marry his daughter. Momik accepts the offer of the Prince and starts the construction of  the monastery. Momik cuts stones from cliffs and manages to build the monastery in time. Few days before the deadline the servant of the Prince climbed up and thrusted Momik from the rooftop of the monastery as the Prince had ordered. And the last stone of the monastery becomes the gravestone of Momik.

An Important Education Center

Noravank was once a very important center for education and culture. Religious leaders and noblemen resided there, including the Orbelian princes, part of the royal Orbelian family from Syunik province, and bishops and religious leaders in the area. The monastery was closely tied with the University of Gladzor and Tatev with their libraries, among other educational institutions. Owing to its Orbelian benefactors, the monastery was also a fulcrum in the political developments of the time. One of its most famous bishops was Stepanos Orbelian, author of History of the State of Sisakan (1299), and largely responsible for forging the Syunik bishopric into a powerful political, cultural and religious center.

A notably picturesque natural setting compliments the old structure. It is situated in the valley of Amaghu, which was once a village. Red cliffs surround the monastery, making a natural scene that is itself worth seeing, let alone the monastery. For this reason the Noravank is sometimes called the “Red Monastery”.

The combination of uniquely beautiful natural setting, masterful architecture of the structures, and historical, cultural, and religious significance makes Noravank a must-visit.

 

One Day Cultural Tours in Armenia