Noravank
Noravank in Amagu is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Armenia. It was built in the 13th century on the bench of a narrow meandering gorge of the Arpa River, near the Armenian city of Yeghegnadzor. The gorge is famous for its steep red rocks, towering behind the monastery, on the territory of which is located the two-storeyed church of St. Astvatsatsin (St. Holy Mother) with narrow cantilevered staircases. The monastic complex includes the St. Karapet Church and St.Grigor Chapel.
In the XIII-XIV centuries the monastery, under the patronage of the influential princely family of the Orbelyans, became the residence of the bishops of Syunik and, accordingly, the major spiritual and then cultural center of Armenia, closely connected with the famous Gladzor university and library. At the end of the 13th and at beginning of the 14th centuries, the architect Siranes and the outstanding sculptor and miniaturist Momik worked here.
The monastery is famous for its unique bas-reliefs and khachkars (cross-stones), the most intricate of which are made by Momik and his disciples.
