It is impossible to imagine tourist programs and excursions in Armenia without visiting cultural and historical sights, including one of the priceless treasures of Armenian medieval architecture - the Noravank monastery complex.
The Noravank monastery complex (translated as “new monastery”) was built in the 13-14 centuries, it is located 122 km from Yerevan. The monastery was lost among bizarre steep red rocks on the ledge of a winding gorge of one of the most picturesque corners of Armenia. On its territory there is a two-story church of Surb Astvatsatsin, the western facade of which is richly decorated with narrow cantilevered stairs. In the 13-14 centuries, the monastery of Noravank was the residence of the bishops of Syunik.
It was a large spiritual and cultural center of Armenia, closely connected with many local educational institutions, in particular, the famous Gladzor University and the library. In 1275, the church of Surb Grigor was attached to the north side of the main temple, which was the tomb of Prince Smbat Orbelian. This is a modest rectangular structure, the walls of which on both sides of the altar are decorated with cross-stones and images of pigeons.
Noravank is one of the magnificent architectural monuments of the Armenian Middle Ages. In 1996, the monastery complex was presented by Armenia for inclusion in the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Hikes and excursions to the Noravank monastery complex are made not only by tourists, but also by outdoor enthusiasts and extreme sports enthusiasts - climbers conduct their training in the nearby steep gorges.
