Noravank is one of the most beautiful Christian monasteries in Armenia. It is located in the South of the country not far from the city of Արենի at the end of a valley. The different buildings are made from the red stone of the surrounding mountains which works a little bit like camouflage. It dates back to the 13th century, was partially destroyed during an earthquake in 1840 but afterwards restored. Within a protective wall, you can visit three churches and the remains of further buildings necessary for a monastery.
The largest building is a combination of two churches: the old and the new church of the baptist (Surb Karapet) to which also the grave chapel of the founding family is attached. These are wonderful old churches with a dark atmosphere and ancient Armenian design. Already the entrance hall (Gavit) alone would be worth a visit to this place. At its entrance, something uncommon can be seen: a depiction of God (which you are normally not allowed to depict in Christianity) surrounded by Islamic decorations.
The most favourite building of the visitors seems to be the mausoleum church. It has two floors – in the lower section, the smell of olibanum and the enlighted yellow candles create a mystical atmosphere. The upper floor can be reached by narrow stairs that are attached to the outside of the building. Fortunately, ropes have been attached to the walls so that you’re able to climb up safely. Noravank is a wonderful place and you can get here for very different reasons: at the right time of the day, for example, a lot of goats appear in the mountains next to it which gives a nice picture.
I came here with a small tourist group organized by Yerani Travel from Երևան lead by maybe the best tour guide I ever met: a young Armenian woman giving not only insight into history but also day to day Armenian life. I enjoyed discussing with her the whole day. At Noravank the other tourists were not very interested to learn about the place and therefore I had kind of a private tour. It was interesting to see the differences in culture even though we both are Christians – there are very different rituals. An Armenian can for example never leave a church without turning around and making the sign of the cross.
Noravank monastery
Նորավանք
Wajoz Dsor
Armenia
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