Noravank

Noravank Monastery - Khor Virap Cave - Magil Cave

Useful Information

Location:	Noravank Monastery. From Areni to the south, after 1 km turn right and follow the road through a gorge to the end. At Noravank Monastery, to the right of the entrance of the tympanum. (39.684301, 45.232975)
Open:
Fee:
Classification:	Karst Cave
Light:	Incandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:	O. Khalpakhchian (1980): Architectural Ensembles of Armenia, Moscow, Iskusstvo Publishers, in Russian.
Address:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1227	main church of St. Karapet built.
1339	two-storied sepulchre church to the south of the complex built.
1999	monastery completely reconstructed and reopened.

Description

Noravank Monastery is definitely well worth a visit, but as showcaves.com is dedicated to subterranean sights, the true reason why it is listed here are stalactite caves within the grounds of the monastery. They were discovered recently and are shown to the visitors of the monastery.

Outside the monastery, are several small caves. Magil cave is the biggest one, located in the gorge, to the left of the paved path to the monastery. Smaller caves, rock shelters, called Trchuneri Karayr (bird cave) are located at the entrance to the gorge. Here Bronze Age child burials were discovered.