Noravank Monastery is situated deep in the Noravank Canyon. It was built in 13th century and was designed by the renowned calligrapher, miniature painter, sculptor and architect from the late 13th to mid 14th centuries, Momik. He developed a completely new approach for the church called ‘Burtelashen’ at Noravank, with a two-storey crowned rotunda.
From Khor Virap, I journeyed on to Southern Armenia to visit Noravank Monastery which is located 122 km from Yerevan.
Highway across the rocky mountains.
Travelling in Armenia is sometimes scary as many lost their lives, plunging down the ravine.
Saw a car lying in a valley. I don’t think the people in the car survived the accident.
The road to Noravank follows Gnishik River Canyon, 8 kilometres of stunning terrain and spectacular rock formation.
This is the beginning of the road that cut through Noravank Canyon. According to the 13th century historian Stepanos Orbelyan, the major settlement of the region, Moz, was destroyed by an earthquake with tremors that lasted 40 days.
Can’t resist a photo stop, here at Noravank Canyon.
It’s not Grand Canyon but the view as I travel through Noravank Canyon sure is beautiful.
The rugged beauty of Armenia.
Noravank Site up ahead.
The Noravank monastery is already in sight. On the left hand side, on top of the hill.
The map of Noravank monastery.
There is a museum dedicated to Momik to the right of the entrance. Momik is the designer of the famous Astvatsatsin Church of Noravank.
The monastery has two main churches (St. Astvatsatsin and St. Stepanos Nakhav’ka), St. Karapet ruins and St. Gregory chapel.
First, I explored the St. Stepanos Nakhav’ka church on the right.
This is the St. Stepanos Nakhav’ka church was built for Prince Liparit Orbelain between 1216-1221.
The cruciform church originally had a central dome which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1840 as well as two storey annexes in the corners. The roof and the walls of the church were repaired in 1949 and finally completely renovated in 1998 with the aid of an Armenian-Canadian family.
The church against the backdrop of a mountain sure is beautiful.
Description of the sites can be found in front of their respective building.
The only entrance leading to the gavit at the west facade. The lower sculpture portrays a seated Madonna and Child with two saints. The upper sculpture is a unique combination of God the Father, Adam, Christ and other biblical figures.
Internal view of the St. Stepanos Nakhav’ka church.
The gavit was built as a sepulcher for the Orbelian dynasty and monastery monk. In 1261, Prince Smbat Orbelian commissioned the architect Siranes to rebuild the structure. Following an earthquake in 1321, the gavit was rebuilt yet again.
One of the exquisite khachkars in the gavit.
Carvings of cross designs on the altar apron. My beau sneaked up the stage for a quick photograph.
Attached to the southern wall of the St. Stepanos Nakhav’ka church, is the St. Karapet church ruins.
The basilica was very small, no more than a handful of monks would be able to fit into the space at one time, suggesting that it was reserved primarily for the clergy.
St. Karapet church which now lies in ruins, was the oldest structure in the complex built in the 9th Century.
Academy complex.
Also in ruins.
Not too sure what this hole is for. Maybe for prisoners?
The grandest structure in Noravank is the St. Astvatsatsin, also called ‘Burtelashen’. It was Momik’s last masterpiece.
Its ground floor was a family burial vault.
The lower relief depicts an enthroned Holy Virgin with the Christ child in her lap.
The tomb of Burtel and his family in the ground floor.
Narrow steps projecting from the west facade lead to the entrance of the church or oratory.
My hubby braving the narrow and steep stairs to reach the second floor of St. Astvastsatsin. The steps are narrow and there are no handrails.
Sigh of relief from my hubby.
The upper floor was a memorial temple crowned with multi-columned rotunda.
Unlike the lower floor, which was dark and gloomy, the upper floor is bright and the facade is white in colour.
Time to head down.
Its not the ascend that is difficult, the descend was pretty scary.
Two more small chapels at the monastery.
Some adventurous people exploring the cliff behind the monastery.
The beautiful canyon.
Heading out the walls of the Noravank complex, to explore the cliff.
Sure is beautiful.
Climbing back down. Easy does it, you don’t want to fall together with the baby.
Noravank as viewed from the hill behind.
Helping myself with some free and fresh spring water in the complex. It was a hot day.
One last picture of the Noravank complex before making a move.
There’s a guesthouse and cafe besides the monastery.
The Noravank Monastery cafe is awarded 5 star by Trip Advisor. I guess I have to try it out.
We were the only customer that afternoon.
While waiting for the food, we took some pictures of the restaurant’s interior.
The cook preparing our order.
The family who owned the cafe making fresh breads.
Nice surroundings.
A peacock roaming the small garden.
And ducks in the small garden near the cafe and guesthouse.
That’s my lunch!
Just kidding. This is their speciality. It might look plain, but the kebab wrapped with the freshly baked bread is delicious.
After lunch, I explored the surrounding hills.
While enjoying the scenic view of Noravank Canyon.
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