Noravank Monastery stands among Armenia’s most significant religious complexes. Situated 120 km from Yerevan, its 13th-century churches rise against the vertical red cliffs of the Arpa River Gorge near Jermuk. The ensemble comprises two churches, a chapel, and numerous carved cross-stones (khachkars), distinguished by its austere setting within rugged terrain.
Founded in 1205 by Bishop Hovhannes, the complex originated with the Church of St. John the Baptist (Surb Karapet) in 1227. Mongol forces destroyed the monastery in 1238. During the tenure of Syunik Metropolitan Stepanos Orbelian (1286–1303), it functioned as both an ecclesiastical seat and a scholarly hub where Armenian manuscripts were transcribed and illuminated. The chapel of St. Gregory (Surb Grigor) was added in 1275, while the Church of the Holy Mother of God (Surb Astvatsatsin), the final work of master sculptor-architect Momik, completed the ensemble in 1339.
Centuries of earthquakes and natural decay eroded the complex. Major restoration in the 1990s stabilized the structures, preserving their early medieval character.
This is Noravank’s most imposing structure. Notable features include its conical dome supported by a circular colonnade and the distinctive cantilevered staircases leading to the second-floor chapel. Bas-reliefs above both entrances depict the Virgin and Child with archangels, and Christ with Apostles Peter and Paul.
Designed as a memorial church, its rectangular lower level served as the Orbelian family crypt. The cruciform upper level functions as a commemorative chapel, crowned with a multi-columned rotunda instead of a dome. Prince Burtel Orbelian, grandson of Tarsayich, commissioned architect Momik to construct this church in 1339 alongside his wife Vakhi and sons. Momik’s design reveals possible familiarity with European Gothic architecture, potentially gained through contact with Crusaders.
Original bas-reliefs depicting the Virgin Mary and Orbelian princes remain on some columns. This two-story church dominates the complex with its elaborate stonework.
Two cantilevered staircases attached to the facade provide access to the upper level (now inaccessible following tourist accidents). The exterior ornamentation features significant tympanums: the upper portrays Christ flanked by Peter and Paul, while the lower shows the Virgin with Archangels Gabriel and Michael. The consecration date (1339) appears above in Armenian letters using Mesrop Mashtots’ alphanumeric numeral system.
Khachkars (Cross-Stones)
Opposite the older church stand several filigree khachkars and fragments dating to earlier periods. Noravank’s collection includes masterpieces by Momik and his students, representing pinnacles of medieval Armenian stone carving.
Khachkars hold unique significance in Armenian monumental art, revered for their distinctive composition. They integrate the cross with the Tree of Life, botanical motifs, and geometric patterns.
Traditional beliefs attribute protective powers to these stones:
To the northwest of St. Astvatsatsin Church lies the main complex: the Church of St. Stepanos the Protomartyr (1216–1223), to which a narthex was added on the western side in the 13th century. This narthex was later restored in the 14th century, likely by the same architect, Momik. The construction was commissioned by Prince Liparit Orbelian and Bishop Sarkis I.
Adjacent to it stands St. Karapet Church, the oldest structure in the monastery, dating back to the 9th–10th centuries. Essentially, the complex consists of four interconnected churches merged into a single architectural ensemble.
A small 9th-century basilica, which once adjoined the southern wall of the later-built and still-standing Church of St. Stepanos the Protomartyr, now lies in ruins—the oldest part of the complex. Traces remain of its three-tiered platform, three arches that once supported the vaulted roof, and a southern narthex.
The interior of St. Karapet Church is so small that it could only hold a few worshippers at a time. Some believe it was reserved exclusively for clergy.
The tympanum above the twin-arched window features a rare relief of God the Father—an exceptional depiction in Armenian art. He is shown blessing the crucified Christ with His right hand while holding the head of John the Baptist in His left, above which hovers a dove—the Holy Spirit. Nearby, an unusual Madonna and Child sits on a carpet in the Eastern tradition.
Across Armenia, churches with side-chapel entrances feature unusually high altars, elevated like podiums compared to European Catholic churches. The narthex was constructed immediately after the main church and likely completed in the mid-1230s.
The earliest structure, partially destroyed by the Mongols in 1238. Highlights include:
The 1300 AD tombstone depicting a half-man, half-lion stands out—a symbol of the martial courage of Elikum Orbelian, son of Prince Tarsayich. Also notable are the khachkars with doves and eight-pointed stars.
Noravank is 119 km from Yerevan. Reaching it independently is challenging but possible. From Kilikia Central Bus Station, take any bus heading to Yeghegnadzor, Vayk, Sisian, Tatev, or Goris. Exit at the road turnoff to the monastery. The remaining 8 km must be covered on foot or by hitchhiking. A taxi is an option but costs six times more.