Noravank Monastery

Located in a narrow gorge cut by the Amaghu river, the Noravank monastery complex played an important role in the history of this region. The site features two main churches dedicated to Saint Astvatsatsin and Saint Karapet and many of the sculptural and architectural details are beautifully preserved. Noravank was also the residence for the Orbelian princes (a notable Armenian family from the Syunik region. Today Noravank serves the local community of Vayots Dzor. Rituals are held within the premises but in the past Noravank was closed off. Monks would pray, study and perform research here but the site would not have been open to the public. Noravank today serves like a history book, when you study the monastery you understand how Armenia changed over time.