The Land of the Sons of God

During this tour you will visit the pearls of Armenian architecture: Noravank, Zorats Karer or Karahunj, Tatev Monastery.

34. Noravank

At the beginning of the 13th century, Noravank was the spiritual center of Syunik. The architect Siranes and the miniature painter and sculptor Momik worked here in the latter part of the thirteenth and early fourteenth century. The monastery complex includes the church of St. Karapet, and the spring with curative effect came out of the church altar. The complex has many surviving cross-stone (khachkars). The most intricate of them all is a 1308 khachkar by Momik.

35. Zorats Karer or Karahunj

Zorats Karer ancient megalithic complex is located in Syunik region, near the city Sisian. There are more than two hundred vertical up to 3 meters high stones. These stones or menhirs occupy more than 3 hectares of land. More than half of the stones have holes, the diameters of which are 5-7 cm. These stones form two circles with different diameters.

The history of Zorats Karer is yet another mystery which worries the scientists for many years. According to the researchers, the Zorats Karer complex was an ancient observatory, which is more than 7,5 thousand years old. Scientists draw a parallel between the English Stonehenge (3020-2910 BC) and the Armenian Karahunj.

36. Tatev Monastery

Tatev Monastery (covenant of Apostle St. Eustathius) is a medieval monastic complex in Armenia. It is located in the south of the village of Tatev, Syunik region, on the right bank of the Vorotan River. According to the legend, the monastery was named after the pupil of Apostle Tadevos (Thaddeus) Eustathius.

According to Stepanos Orbelian, the first church of the Tatev Monastery was built in the IV century and had a convent of hermits Tatevi mets Anapat (Tatev Hermitage). At the end of the 8th century it became the residence of the Syunik bishops. In the 14th century the Tatev University was founded, which became a major scientific center. At the university, the Tatev miniature school operated.

In the Tatev Monastery there is a fragment of the Cross, the relics of 11 apostles, Saint Hovhannes Karapet, St. Stephen the First Christian Martyr, St. Gregory the Illuminator, St. Hripsime and the hair of the Virgin.