The two-story St. Astvatsatsin church hosts stairs on the façade of its western entry, an exciting feature that is present on the exterior of only a handful of other medieval Armenian churches. Take a climb up the stairs and check out the second story and walk in the footsteps of its noble financier, Prince Burtel. The church and its iconographic reliefs are likely the last works of the famous architect and sculptor, Momik, who was allegedly going blind by the time St. Astvatsatsin was finished in 1339.
Momik may have also carved the sculptural reliefs on the adjacent gavit attached to St. Stepanos. The relief on the exterior of the gavit displays a very rare depiction of
God the Father blessing the Crucifix with his right hand and holding the head of Adam in his left hand. Until this relief, God was only represented symbolically and never with a human likeness. Notice how the figural reliefs have an almost 3D quality to them. This was either due to a new, innovative sculptural technique or Momik’s deteriorating eyesight which forced him to use more tactile methods of sculpting.
Noravank Monastic Complex (3D)
Noravank Monastic Complex
Historical Attractions
For early birds, visiting Noravank right before sunrise is an absolute treat. Not only can you see the hues of the buildings in the complex change from a grayish blue-green to the spectacular golden pink that reflects off the stones in the sunlight, you will most likely witness herds of Bezoar goats in their morning migration from river to mountain top. If you’re lucky, you’ll see Bezoar goats running straight up the sheer cliffs behind Noravank!
Fun Tip