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Geotour

Noravank

Armenia · Religion

Getting there
About 120 km (2 h) south-east of Yerevan on the main M2 highway, then 8 km up the gorge on a paved road
Best time
April–June, September–October
Recommended stay
1–1.5 hours

About Noravank

Noravank is a 13th–14th-century monastery at the head of the narrow red-rock gorge of the Amaghu river in Armenia's Vayots Dzor province, about 120 km (2 h) south-east of Yerevan and 8 km from the wine village of Areni. It is known for the two-storey church of Surb Astvatsatsin (1339), whose upper chapel is reached by narrow stone steps projecting from the facade, and for the carved tympanums and cross-stones of the master sculptor Momik. Combine it with a wine tasting in Areni.

Tours Including Noravank

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Must-See Attractions

  • Surb Astvatsatsin

    The 1339 two-storey burial church; cantilevered steps on the west facade lead up to the upper chapel, with a carved Christ in the tympanum.

  • Surb Karapet

    The 13th-century main church with its richly carved portal.

  • Momik's khachkars

    Finely carved cross-stones in the courtyard by the master sculptor.

  • Amaghu gorge

    The drive in along the red cliffs of the gorge, with caves and birds of prey overhead.

Nearby

  • Areni

    Wine village with small wineries and tasting rooms, about 8 km (15 min).

  • Areni-1 cave

    Cave where archaeologists found the oldest known winery (about 6,100 years old) and a leather shoe, at the mouth of the gorge.

  • Khor Virap

    Monastery below Mount Ararat, about 70 km (1 h 15 min) towards Yerevan.

Location

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Good to know

Getting there

About 120 km (2 h) south-east of Yerevan on the main M2 highway, then 8 km up the gorge on a paved road.

Best time

April–June, September–October

Best time

Spring and autumn are mild; October adds the grape harvest and wine festival in Areni, while July–August in the gorge are hot.

Recommended stay

1–1.5 hours

Border

Noravank is in Armenia; bring your passport for the Georgia–Armenia border crossing.

Currency

Armenia uses the dram (AMD); the lari is not accepted, and ATMs are in Yeghegnadzor, so bring cash for tastings.

Speaking

Armenian is the local language; Russian is widely understood.

Fees

The monastery is free.

Walking

The outside steps to the upper chapel are narrow and have no railing; skip them with small children or a fear of heights.

Dress code

Shoulders and knees covered in the churches.

History & culture

History

The monastery was founded in 1205 by Bishop Hovhannes, and in the 13th and 14th centuries it was the seat of the bishops of Syunik and the burial place of the Orbelian princes. The main church of Surb Karapet dates from 1221–1227. The two-storey Surb Astvatsatsin, also called Burtelashen after the prince Burtel Orbelian, was completed in 1339 by the architect and sculptor Momik, whose carvings and khachkars are among the finest in Armenia.

Local Cuisine

Vayots Dzor is Armenia's red-wine country, built on the native Areni grape; wineries in Areni and Yeghegnadzor offer tastings. On the first Saturday of October, Areni usually holds a wine festival.

Accommodation

Family guesthouses and small hotels in Areni and Yeghegnadzor; most travellers visit on a day trip from Yerevan.

Nearby destinations

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