South of Lake Sewan and hidden within the narrow and highly visible Amaghu Ravine is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Armenia, Norawank, a harmonious combination of the beauty of nature and spiritual knowledge of Mankind, a place of peace and contemplation located in complete solitude at the end of the ravine.

Most of the monastery complex was built in the thirteenth century by the princes of Sjunikh, who were descendants of the Orbeljan Family. They were Georgians who settled here in the ninth century after their combat units fought the Muslims together with the Armenians.

The Surp Astvatsatsin Church is the last and perhaps most elegant of the classical monuments of Armenia’s mediaeval architecture. Two steep and narrow staircases form a pointed triangle above a lower gate and lead to the entrance of the second floor. The circular bell tower of the Church Of Our Lady supports a dome which itself rests on twelve pillars.

The sculptures and engravings on the walls of the gavith represent a unique style that combines harmoniously the traditional with Renaissance design.

With all of its splendour, the Norawank Monastery is considered to be one of the largest medieval cultural and spiritual centres in Armenia.