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.
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.
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.
