Noravank, the jewel of the Armenian religious architecture, is a Monastery Complex of the 13th-14th centuries situated 122 km from Yerevan. Noravank literally means new monastery which may sound very strange in our days taking into consideration the centuries-old age of Noravank. The Monastery was founded on the ledge of a narrow winding gorge and can be reached up the twisting road. The gorge is surrounded by steep cliffs rich in caves where people lived 5-6 thousand years ago. They produced wine here. By the way, the grape stones and skins together with wine making equipment, uncovered in Areni-1 cave during excavations, testify that this region is considered the earliest known winery in the world. In this very cave a pair of 5500-year-old shoes was found made of one-piece leather which is nowadays considered the most ancient leather shoe in the world.
And so, majestic scenery of the Monastery on a high ledge of the gorge comes in view around which are the cliffs of unusual red colour that turn crimson in the sunrays. If only James Cameron knew about this stunning place, he would probably choose this gorge for the site of his next film! It’s amazing how the architects managed to harmonize the Monastery with the surrounding rocks choosing petrosilex as a building material.&nbsp;
Noravank is closely connected with the name of the Orbelyan dynasty. Each of the Orbelyan princes made their contribution to the development of both the historical region of Syunik and the whole of Armenia, thus leaving their mark in the history of Armenia. It is just thanks to their diplomacy, erudition and power that peace reigned in this region for nearly a century and it’s them who donated to the construction of monasteries.
Noravank Monastery consists of three churches, while the fourth one, Surb Karapet Church (St. John the Baptist, IX-X centuries) being the oldest one reached us in ruins. A paramount importance is attributed to the grandest structure of Surb Astvatsatsin Church (Holy Mother of God, XIV century), also called Burtelashen (Burtel’s construction) built by the outstanding talented architect, sculptor and miniature painter Momik by order of Prince Burtel Orbelyan. Burtelashen became the masterpiece and swan song of the prominent master. The ground floor of the three-tier cross-shaped church is a mausoleum, sepulcher with the tombs of the Orbelyan dynasty while the first floor is a prayer house crowned by a magnificent colonnaded rotunda. Two rows of cantilever stairs lead to the first floor granting access to the chapel finally. You have to bend your head entering the chapel because the entrance is too low. Moreover, one ought to bow down when entering the House of God! Inside, stand in the middle of the chapel so that the sunrays penetrating through the rotunda fell upon you. There reigns an impression as if you are free from everyday hustle and bustle, as if an angel’s wings caress your hair.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A special place in the decoration of Armenian churches is occupied by bas-reliefs and carvings of the finest work. It was here that Momik's talent as a miniature painter manifested itself. Unique is the bas-relief of the tympanum above the entrance to the vestibule (narthex) of St. Stepanos Church built in the 13th century depicting God the Father. With his right hand God the Father is blessing his Son, the Crucifix, and in his left hand is holding the head of Adam with a dove — the Holy Spirit — above it. In this way Momik depicted the Holy Trinity for the first time presenting God the Father as a bearded man.

Noravank is a mediaval monastic complex with a stately architecture. Everything impresses here, from architectural solutions and environment of the church to the out of the ordinary aura in the air. It is beyond words to pass the dazzling beauty of Noravank and consequently, one can’t help loving it as well. You just need to see this miracle with your own eyes!

Noravank

Noravank, the jewel of the Armenian religious architecture, is a Monastery Complex of the 13th-14th centuries situated 122 km from Yerevan. Noravank literally means new monastery which may sound very strange in our days taking into consideration the centuries-old age of Noravank. The Monastery was founded on the ledge of a narrow winding gorge and can be reached up the twisting road. The gorge is surrounded by steep cliffs rich in caves where people lived 5-6 thousand years ago. They produced wine here. By the way, the grape stones and skins together with wine making equipment, uncovered in Areni-1 cave during excavations, testify that this region is considered the earliest known winery in the world. In this very cave a pair of 5500-year-old shoes was found made of one-piece leather which is nowadays considered the most ancient leather shoe in the world.

Noravank

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