Noravank

Noravank (Armenian Նորավանք, New Monastery) is an Armenian monastery of the 13th century and until the 19th century, laying the princely grave Orbelian Dynasty. It is one of the main tourist attractions of Armenia and is since 1996 on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is located near the city Jeghegnadsor in the province Wajoz Dzor, about 3 km northeast of the community Amaghu on the territory of the municipality Areni, and about 80 km southeast of Yerevan in the canyon of Amaghu, which is known for its brick-red cliffs.

The monastery

A special feature of the monastery is the facade of the two-storey, donated by Prince Burtel Orbelian 1339 and completed Mausoleumskirche ( Surb Astvatsatsin ). Center of the complex is the oldest surviving building, which was built in the first half of the 13th century, new Baptist Church ( Surb Karapet ), which was built north of the remains of the destroyed by an earthquake in the Old Baptist Church. 1261 was Smbat Orbelian in the West a Gawit to the new Baptist church plant.

A first building on the site was in 9-10. Century built. After destruction by an earthquake in the 12th century, the complex was renovated. In the 13th and 14th century, the monastery was expanded and it is home since then until the 19th century actively used grave lay the Orbelian Dynasty. Noravank was the seat of the bishops of Siounie and was culturally significant for its scriptorium with the art workshop Momik.

The monastery complex now consists of John the Baptist ordained main church Surp Karapet with their upstream Gawit ( entrance hall). Attached to the main church is the Church of Surp Grigor Gregor. Within the perimeter of the 17th and 18th centuries are also the church of Our Lady Surp Astvatstin and the ruins of the destroyed first Baptist church.

After the destruction caused by the earthquake of 1841 and 1931 Noravank was twice significantly renovated in the 20th century ( 1948-1949 and 1982-1999 ).

Surp Astvatsatsin

The Church Surp Astvatsatsin ( Holy Mother of God ) was built in the years 1331-1339 according to the plans of the monk and artist Momik, which, however, died in 1333 before the completion of his work. ( Through a cross stone on the grounds that statement is certainly occupied). It has the three -level structure of a Mausoleumskirche of the 14th century. The first level is accessible via six steps that lead down into the mausoleum. The second level with its cross-shaped floor plan is achieved through two narrow external stairs. The third level is formed by a 12 - columned rotunda, which is crowned by a dome; this was destroyed in 1840 and 1997 built up again. The church has both inside and outside a large sculptures wealth.

Surp Karapet

The main church of Surp Karapet is also called Surp Stephanos. For the period of construction there are two different specifications: 1216-23 and 1221-27. It is a cruciform church building with four corner chapels, once surmounted by an octagon with dome, but was replaced during the restoration in the 1990s by a round drum with a conical roof.

Gawit

The rectangular Gawit was probably probably built shortly after the Surp Karapet in 1230 with four columns, but substantially rebuilt in the year 1261 under Prince Smbat Orbelian ( occupied by half-columns on the walls ). A horizontal wall bars bears the inscription Smbats. Maybe the roof was destroyed by an earthquake in 1321 and then replaced by the heavy Klostergewölbe. The building has beautiful ornaments from the ceiling and contains many grave stones and stone crosses. The tympanum is brought out with because of its similar style of Areni Church in compound and attributed Momik.

Surp Grigor

The Church Surp Grigor, or Smbat Orbelian chapel ( it houses the grave Smbats ), the Surp Karapet was designed by architect Siranès in 1275 north built during the reign of Smbats brother Tarssayitj Orbelian. It is a single nave with a barrel vault. In a survey is a semi- circular altar. Inside the church there are the remains of frescoes that are difficult to see. Surp Grigor contains several graves of family members Smbat Orbelians, including his son Tarssayitj, Élikum, brother Stepanos.

East facade of Mausoleumskirche

The Mausoleumskirche from northwest

The south facade of Gavit (left) and New Baptist Church (right), in front of the remains of the old Baptist Church

Grave stone (1300 ) of the Elikum Orbelian