Nor Varagavank, Medieval monastery in Varagavan, Armenia
Nor Varagavank is a medieval monastery set on a hilltop near the village of Varagavan, in Armenia, made up of a main church dedicated to the Holy Virgin, a separate chapel, and other structures. The complex also has an old water management system that is still in working order today.
An Armenian king had the monastery built in the late 12th century, and his grandson greatly expanded it over the following decades. Sacred relics arrived at the site in the early 13th century, which turned it into a major center of religious life in the region.
The monastery has long drawn pilgrims who came to venerate the sacred relics kept within its walls. The layout of the complex, with its church at the center and surrounding structures, still reflects how the site was organized around religious life.
The monastery is about 2 miles (3.5 km) southwest of Varagavan village, over hilly ground, so sturdy footwear is a good idea before heading out. The access roads are narrow and walking is the most practical way to reach and explore the site.
The main church hides a cross-shaped interior behind a plain rectangular outer wall, which is an unusual solution for a medieval Armenian church. From the outside, there is no way to guess the shape that lies within.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
