Noravank
Noravank monastery is situated on a ledge of a deep winding gorge of a tributary of the Arpa River near the village of Amagu, Yeghegnadzor District. Noravank is totally surrounded by red cliffs. Built in place of an ancient cloister, it was the center of Orbelian Royal family of Syunik. In the 13th-14th centuries the monastery became a residence of Syunik's bishops.
Being a major religious, cultural and educational center of Armenia it was closely connected with many of the local schools, universities, especially with Gladzors famed university and library.
Noravank ("New monastery") was founded by Bishop Hovhannes, Abbot of Vahanavank, who moved there in 1205. During the 13th and 14th centuries a series of princes of the Orbelian clan built churches which served as the burial site for the family. The monastery became the center of the Syunik bishopric.
The nearest and grandest church is the Astvatsatsin (Mother of God), also called Burtelashen ("Burtel built") in honor of Prince Burtel Orbelian, its donor. The church, completed in 1339, is said to be the masterpiece of the talented sculptor and miniaturist Momik. The ground floor (locked) contained elaborate tombs of Burtel and his family. Narrow steps, projecting from the west facade, lead up to the entrance to the church/oratory. Note the fine relief sculpture over the doors, Christ flanked by Peter and Paul. The second church is the S. Karapet, a cross-in square design with restored drum and dome built in 1216-1227, just north of the ruins of the original S. Karapet, destroyed in an earthquake. Forming the western antechamber is an impressive gavit of 1261, decorated with splendid khachkars and with a series of inscribed gravestones in the floor. The side chapel of S. Grigor, built in 1275, contains more Orbelian family tombs, including a splendid carved lion/human tombstone dated to 1300, covering the grave of Elikum son of Prince Tarsayich Orbelian.
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