Noravank Monastery

Noravank is located in central Vayots Dzor Province, roughly 75 miles southeast of Yerevan in the Amaghu Valley. The complex consists of two churches and a chapel. Most noteworthy is the two-story Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church, with its extravagant carvings. The top level of the building is accessed via a stone staircase embedded in the front façade. With beautiful khachkar cross-stones strewn across lush grounds, Noravank is a lovely place for a stroll.

Noravank is interesting because its story of ruin and renewal almost mirrors the history of Armenia as a whole. When the Mongols conquered the country and destroyed most of the churches in the area, they spared Noravank. Allegedly, it was because the engravings depict God with almond-shaped eyes—the familiar Asiatic features inspired enough reverence (or bad juju) to warn them off.

Over the intervening centuries, a series of earthquakes destroyed parts of the Noravank complex. Then, in the 1990s, an American-Armenian benefactor sponsored the restoration of the Surb Karapet (St. John the Baptist) church.