Nor Varagavank, Medieval monastery in Varagavan, Armenia
Nor Varagavank is a medieval monastery positioned on a hilltop near Varagavan with multiple structures including a main church dedicated to the Holy Virgin and a separate chapel. The complex features an ancient water management system that has remained functional since the 1200s.
An Armenian king founded the monastery in the late 1100s, and his grandson substantially expanded it in the following decades. In the early 1200s, sacred relics arrived at the complex, transforming it into a major religious center.
This monastery served as a pilgrimage destination for believers seeking the sacred relics housed within its walls. Visitors can still sense the religious reverence embedded in how the complex is arranged and preserved today.
The site is located about 3.5 kilometers southwest of Varagavan village in hilly terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended when exploring the grounds. The best way to visit is on foot, as access roads are narrow and a vehicle is not essential for the visit.
The main church features a hidden cruciform interior design enclosed within a rectangular outer structure, a clever architectural solution from the medieval period. This concealed floor plan reveals how skillfully the builders crafted this religious space.
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