How to get by car to Noravank Monastery in the Vayots Dzor Province?
Noravank is a 13th-century monastery with a bi-level church showcasing medieval cantilever architecture, located in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia.
Where is Noravank Monastery?
The monastery is located 122 km from Yerevan, in the southern part of the country. It’s one of the most spectacular churches in Armenia that you should visit on your trip. The setting, surrounded by beautiful mountains, is colorful and serene, and the atmosphere of the monastery perched on a cliff above it is absolutely mesmerizing.
Why is Noravank Monastery famous?
The monastery was founded in 1205 by Bishop Hovhannes, the former Abbot of Vahanavank. Armenia, as the world’s first Christian country, is extremely rich in monuments of spiritual culture. Many visitors combine the visit to the monastery with a stop at Khor Virap and a winery. Literally translated from Armenian, Noravank means “New Monastery”. Pay special attention to the writings and alphabet at the monastery. Throughout history, the monastery has survived attacks from the Mongols and the Timurid dynasty, as well as a major earthquake in 1340.
Is the road to Noravank Monastery paved?
Located in a mountainous area, the road to the monastery is fully paved yet pretty narrow, running through a gorge carved by the Gnishik River. It’s called Noravank Monastery Road. The road may seem long but is never boring, as along the way, you can admire the Armenian landscapes and stop in different villages.
How long is the road to Noravank Monastery?
Nestled in a peaceful valley, the road ends at the monastery. Starting from the E117 road near Areni village, the road is 7.6 km (4.72 miles) long, going deep through the Noravank canyon.
Pic: Alex Koledaev