We offer excursions to Noravank – a picturesque 13th-century Christian monastery located 122 km from Yerevan. Since 2016, we have been organizing one- and multi-day tours across Armenia, proud of our high-quality tourist services that allow clients to enjoy exploring the country’s stunning landscapes and attractions without worrying about the logistics of the trip.

The Unique Beauty and Significance of Noravank

Among the gems of Armenian architecture and Christian heritage stands Noravank Monastery, set in one of the most scenic locations in Armenia. Perched on a high cliff above a fast-flowing river, with a backdrop of unique red cliffs tinged with ochre, the monastery’s church domes rise beautifully into the sky, forming a breathtaking complex.

The name Noravank means “New Monastery.” It is often called Amaghu Noravank to distinguish it from another monastery, Bgheno Noravank. Amaghu was the name of an old village once located nearby. The complex is also referred to as the Red Monastery, due to the color of the surrounding cliffs.

Noravank was founded in 1205 by Bishop Hovhannes and is closely associated with prominent figures of Armenian culture – architect Siranes and sculptor and miniaturist Momik. The surrounding walls were built in the 17th–18th centuries.

The complex includes the Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, also known as Burtelashen (built by Burtel), and the Surb Karapet Church.

Burtelashen Church

Burtelashen is the main architectural monument of Noravank, a tower-type burial church characteristic of early Christian Armenia. It was created by the legendary Momik as his last masterpiece and is also called the Memorial Church. The first floor houses family tombs, while the second floor is a memorial church with columns supporting a conical roof. The church features numerous carvings of the Virgin and Child, apostles, doves, and angels with crowns, as well as ornate decorative patterns.

Surb Karapet Church

Built between 1216 and 1227 in traditional Armenian style, Surb Karapet contains the tombs of the Orbelian family, including the founder of the church, Prince Smbat Orbelian.

Throughout the monastery, inside the churches and on the grounds, there are khachkars – carved stone steles featuring crosses. The most famous and elaborately carved khachkar was created by Momik.

For centuries, Noravank was an influential center of education and culture in Armenia, home to religious and cultural figures led by the Orbelian princes. The monastery maintained connections with the universities of Gladzor and Tatev and played a role in the country’s political life.

The Legend of Noravank and Momik

Near Burtelashen Church stands the tombstone of its creator, sculptor Momik. A beautiful yet tragic legend is associated with him: Momik fell in love with a noblewoman, the daughter of the Syunik prince. The prince agreed to give his daughter in marriage on the condition that Momik build a monastery more beautiful than any other within three years. Momik began constructing it using stones from the surrounding cliffs and completed it on time. However, a treacherous servant of the prince pushed Momik from the monastery tower a few days before completion. The master died, and the last stone he carved became his tombstone.

Visit Noravank with Us

We invite you to visit the monastery in groups of 5–18 people or on a private tour. Departures are available from Yerevan and Tsakhkadzor. We offer various routes that include the most significant and memorable sites along the way, and we are also happy to follow a custom route suggested by our guests.

Tourists travel in comfortable sedans and minivans with Russian-speaking drivers and professional guides fluent in Russian. The price of the trip includes only the tour services and vehicle rental.

To book a tour or inquire about prices, contact us via our website, messenger, or phone.