Nor Varagavank, Medieval monastery in Varagavan, Armenia

Nor Varagavank is a 13th-century monastery on a high hill 3.5 km southwest of Varagavan. Its main church, dedicated to the Holy Virgin, measures 10.25 by 15.40 metres outside and was designed by Hovhan from Ani. The complex also includes the Surb Nshan chapel, two narthexes, a mausoleum and a ruined wall with an arched gateway.

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's name changed from Anapat to Nor Varagavank after Patriarch Ghukas brought relics from Vaspurakan's Varagavank in 1213, including a piece of the True Cross said to have been brought to Armenia by the virgins Hripsime and Gayane. Near the Church of the Holy Virgin stands a large khachkar carved by master Vardan in 1620.

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.