Noravank monastery, located near the city of Yeghegnadzor, 120 km from Yerevan, in a deep gorge of the river ARPA among huge cliffs.

The monastery was founded as early as the TWELFTH century In the reign of the princes of mountains, the monastery was a major religious center. In the FOURTEENTH century it was a residence of Syunik's bishops. The Church had close ties with many educational institutions, but primarily with famous University and library Gladzor. There is a legend that in Noravank is a piece of the cross, sprinkled with the blood of Christ.

From the Armenian language the monastery name means "new monastery". Although at the moment he hardly lives up to its name, because the age of this temple is over seven centuries. Sometimes the monastery named Amagu Noravank and all this is due to the fact that it can be differentiated from Noravank monastery, located near the city of Goris.

The structure of the Noravank monastery was repeatedly destroyed and restored. The last restoration was carried out recently. The main temple of the monastery was built in 1216-1223, Surb Karapet. In 1275 on the North side of the main temple was built onto the Church of Surb Grigor.

The most magnificent building of the monastery is the two-storey Church. Astvatsatsin Church, built in 1339 during the rule of Prince Burtel the Orbelian. Rectangular building of the Church. Astvatsatsin - artistic monument. It stands on the strong Foundation that makes the Church the Majesty and monumentality. The main facade of the Church has a cruciform shape. The temple is decorated with a beautiful dome. The first floor of the building is the tomb, and the second chapel. Especially notable is the Western facade of the Church. Here are two cantilever stairs leading to the second floor. Extant city wall and adjacent buildings were erected in the XVII-XVIII C.

Around the monastery complex of Noravank is a lot of cross-stones, among which deserve special attention khachkars carved Momik.