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- Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church: a two-storey jewel carved into the cliffside — narrow external stairs, a balcony level and an incredibly ornate portal that feel more like a sculptor’s gallery than a simple church.
- Burtelashen (the princely tomb-chapel): the ornately decorated family chapel and burial place of the local lords. It’s small but packed with reliefs and tombstones that tell the story of Noravank’s medieval patrons.
- Momik’s sculptures and bas-reliefs: you’ll see the work of the famous medieval artist Momik everywhere — finely carved faces, saints and motifs that lift the whole complex from “interesting” to genuinely masterful.
- Dense khachkar field and medieval gravestones: dozens of intricately carved cross-stones and funerary slabs clustered around the monastery
- Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church: a two-storey jewel carved into the cliffside — narrow external stairs, a balcony level and an incredibly ornate portal that feel more like a sculptor’s gallery than a simple church.
- Burtelashen (the princely tomb-chapel): the ornately decorated family chapel and burial place of the local lords. It’s small but packed with reliefs and tombstones that tell the story of Noravank’s medieval patrons.
- Momik’s sculptures and bas-reliefs: you’ll see the work of the famous medieval artist Momik everywhere — finely carved faces, saints and motifs that lift the whole complex from “interesting” to genuinely masterful.
- Dense khachkar field and medieval gravestones: dozens of intricately carved cross-stones and funerary slabs clustered around the monastery — great for close-up photos and to appreciate Armenian stonecarving traditions.
- The red-rock gorge and dramatic panoramas: the monastery sits against soaring red limestone cliffs. Light changes fast here — sunrise or sunset turns the rocks electric and makes the whole place cinematic.
- Unusual architecture and quirky details: tiny chapels, unusual portals, and that external staircase leading to a balcony — little design choices you won’t find on a typical European monastery and that make Noravank immediately memorable.
- Quiet monastic vibe and easy hiking: it’s compact enough to explore slowly, sit on a ledge, watch shepherds pass, or take a short walk along the gorge. Peaceful, photogenic and very walkable.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.