Noravank

Noravank is a 13^th century church situated near the city of Yeghegnadzor, Vayots Dzor. It is located in a narrow gorge which is known for its tall brick-red cliffs. The church was built near the river Amaghu. Noravank is often called Noravank at Amaghu to distinguish it from Bgheno-Noravank which is located near Goris. The monastery is known for its two-storey St. Astvatsatsin church. Many khachkars have been  found here.Noravank was founded in 1205 by Bishop Hovhannes, a former abbot of Vahanavank near the present-day city of Kapan in Syunik. The monastic complex includes the church of S. Karapet, S. Grigor chapel with a vaulted hall, and the church of S. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God).The sculptor of Noravank was Momik.The fortress walls surrounding the complex were built in the 17th–18th centuries.There is a legend about Noravank. The ruler of Syunik promised Momik to give him his daughter if he built  a monastery for him. But he deceived the poor sculptor. When Momik was putting the last stone the ruler pushed him off the wall and so he was killed.This is a hole. There is a khachkar at the bottom.