June 6, 2023
Noravank, Armenia

Noravank, Armenia

Monastery of Noravank Նորավանք is a 13th-century Armenian monastery. It was built in a gorge made by the Amaghu river. It is 122km from Yerevan. It is near the city of Yeghegnadzor.

The Sourp Astvatsatsin Church (14th century) is built in two stories. It has a rather unique architecturally decorative, exterior, cantilevered stairs that it is best known for.

The church was financed by Prince Burtel Orbelian. It is sometimes referred to as Burteleshen which means built by Burtel. It is credited to the well-known architect Momik.

Noravank, Armenia
Noravank, Armenia

The monastery dates back to 1105. It was founded by Bishop Hovhaness. The complex is comprised of the Church of St. Karapet and the Church of Sourp Astvatsatsin.

You will find a variety of Kachkars, which are the intricately carved stones around the Monastery. The walls surrounding the complex were built later in the 17th century.

Noravank, Armenia
Sourp Astvatstatsin with the famous staircase at Noravank, Armenia

While visiting this monastery in June, I noticed a variety of wildlife flowers. Some of the flowers include red Papaver rhoeas, the yellow Verbascum pulverulentum, and purple thistle flowers of Cirsium vulgare or the pink Securigera vera.

Cirsium vulgare
Cirsium-vulgare near Noravank, Armenia
Papaver rhoeas
Papaver rheas near Noravank, Armenia
Securigera varia
Securigera varia near Noravank, Armenia
Noravank, Armenia
Verbascum pulverulentum near Noravank, Armenia
Noravank, Armenia
Noravank, Armenia

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