A beautiful monastery among red rocks, especially beautiful at sunset. The main feature is a two-story church with a steep staircase, where everyone climbs for photos. But now you can't climb the stairs. The road is mountainous, the views are beautiful.

This sits on top of my heart for all the things we visited in Armenia. It is the nature, the green and red mountain slopes that surround the monastery. The view from the top was splendid!

Noravank should be on top of your list when visiting Armenia. The setting, surrounded by beautiful mountains, colorful and still, the atmosphere of the monastery perched on a cliff up above it - it is absolutely mesmerizing! Weekends see a lot of people and school kids, so plan accordingly. Other than your religious fulfillment, there are a ton of photo ops that will make your eye pause... A must visit!

Noravank is absolutely stunning! The church complex is beautifully preserved and set against breathtaking red cliffs. The road leading there is just as impressive—winding through a dramatic canyon with amazing views the whole way. A peaceful and unforgettable place to visit!

Location: Amaghu River gorge, near Yeghegnadzor, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia. Founded: 12th century, flourished mainly during the 13th–14th centuries. Landscape: Surrounded by dramatic red cliffs, making it one of the most picturesque monasteries in Armenia.

Located high in the mountains, give an incredible view from above. Definitly you want a tour guide, as there is so much history and meaning behind..top view is amazing 🤩 structure is also different..its far from city so u need a private car 🚗 with a guide..

The Noravank site is our favourite of all these spiritual sites in Armenia. It might not have the same historical importance as others do. But the location as such is the most pristine. Already the access road leading through the gorge is pretty impressive. The site itself, slightly up the slope at the end of the valley, surrounded by the red rocks of the surrounding hills, is impressive.

A fun little-ish local winery that offers tours and wine degustations. Our driver-guide suggested to visit it on the way back from Noravanq. We tried 4 glasses of wine each (wine can be replaced with a shot of local cognac). It’s a fun and tasty experience: to sip different types of wine before finally giving in into temptation to buy a bottle. The owners were very pleasant and also offered us some coffee, that we enjoyed atop of a terrace with a wonderful mountain view after a short tour. The tour guide gave us info about the ways of their wine and drink’s production in general, showed us the cellar, bottles and barrels. Prices are fair, they have a wide selection of drinks and souvenirs. We left very satisfied.

Areni Winery is a beautiful place to visit. They offer free wine tasting and a guided tour that explains the winemaking process in detail. The staff are enthusiastic, friendly, and make the experience enjoyable. It was a bit crowded when we visited, maybe because of the free wine tasting, but still well worth it.

The staff speaks good English and will give you a free tour of the winemaking process. After that, if you are interested, you can buy from the winemakers after tasting. In general, the prices of wine and other alcoholic beverages in Arne Hill are low and of good quality. I suggest you make your purchases here if you wish. Apart from shops and factories like this, there are vendors who sell quality handmade alcohol.

It was a very good experience to visit their tasting section. They offered free tasting of wine. We also purchased 6 wines mainly semi sweet pomegranate and grape.

Wide range of red , white , fruit and cognac Dried fruits , tea. Souveniers Cafe on the terrace Please please feed this black dog in front of your shop!

The wine factory is very interesting because there are many opportunities to taste wine and buy gifts and the cave is amazing.I racommned a visit.

Nice tour in the winery, accompanied by wine tasting.

A beautiful monastery among red rocks, especially beautiful at sunset. The main feature is a two-story church with a steep staircase, where everyone climbs for photos. But now you can't climb the stairs. The road is mountainous, the views are beautiful.

This sits on top of my heart for all the things we visited in Armenia. It is the nature, the green and red mountain slopes that surround the monastery. The view from the top was splendid!

Noravank should be on top of your list when visiting Armenia. The setting, surrounded by beautiful mountains, colorful and still, the atmosphere of the monastery perched on a cliff up above it - it is absolutely mesmerizing! Weekends see a lot of people and school kids, so plan accordingly. Other than your religious fulfillment, there are a ton of photo ops that will make your eye pause... A must visit!

Noravank is absolutely stunning! The church complex is beautifully preserved and set against breathtaking red cliffs. The road leading there is just as impressive—winding through a dramatic canyon with amazing views the whole way. A peaceful and unforgettable place to visit!

Location: Amaghu River gorge, near Yeghegnadzor, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia. Founded: 12th century, flourished mainly during the 13th–14th centuries. Landscape: Surrounded by dramatic red cliffs, making it one of the most picturesque monasteries in Armenia.

Located high in the mountains, give an incredible view from above. Definitly you want a tour guide, as there is so much history and meaning behind..top view is amazing 🤩 structure is also different..its far from city so u need a private car 🚗 with a guide..

The Noravank site is our favourite of all these spiritual sites in Armenia. It might not have the same historical importance as others do. But the location as such is the most pristine. Already the access road leading through the gorge is pretty impressive. The site itself, slightly up the slope at the end of the valley, surrounded by the red rocks of the surrounding hills, is impressive.

Areni-1 Cave is a must visit place for everyone interested in ancient history and archaeology. Located in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia,Walking through the cave, you can feel connected to the ancient civilizations. The site is well maintained,and the guides telling the lifestyle and culture. Seeing the ancient tools, pottery, and the remnants of winemaking is a unique experience that adds depth to understanding human history. The surrounding landscape is beautiful.If you’re in Armenia, don’t miss the chance to visit Areni-1 Cave it’s a gem 💎.

The cave is for archeology enthusiasts, a staircase has been built to make it easy to access the cave, and there is good information in the cave for those interested. It is one of the oldest, or perhaps the oldest, places where wine was discovered.

Areni Cave is a place where the oldest leather shoes in the world and the remains of an ancient winery were found. The tour is short, about 20 minutes, it is cool and quite dark inside. It is interesting to look at, but does not leave much of an impression. If you are passing by, you can go in, but it is not worth a special trip. There are many swallows' nests at the entrance.

The history and age of the findings is impressive but the actual site visit is not that dynamic or interesting. Only if here in the area for other visits is this a worthwhile stop, but not a special trip for these archiological diggings.

Location: Near the village of Areni, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia, along the Arpa River. Discovery: Excavations began in the early 2000s. Significance: A prehistoric cave settlement with extraordinary preservation due to the dry climate

Well preserved artfects, nicely explained in wall panels and object labels. Cafes amd suveneir shops are arpund. More can be done to attract more tourists.

On the way to Noravank it worths a stop. As many times with prehistoric sites, it is not so immediate and easy to decifrare and understand, but the history of the oldest shoe in the world is fantastic. Interesting the traces of the first vinifications.

The main building of the monastery, which has a unique architecture compared to all the churches I saw in Armenia.

Come to the roof :)

Beautiful!!!

(Translated by Google) St. Astvatsatsin (“Burtelashen”), Momik’s grave Entering the complex from the main entrance, you immediately see the impressive two-story church of St. Astvatsatsin. It was built by Prince Burtel as a tomb for the Orbelyan family. . The building of the Church of St. Astvatsatsin Burtelashen is considered a masterpiece of Armenian architecture of tomb churches. It was one of the last works of master Momik. The building has the same layout as the Church of St. Astvatsatsin in the village. Areni. Particularly impressive are the bas-relief sculptures above the entrance to the tomb (Our Lady and the Archangels) and on the entrance portal of the second floor (Christ with the apostles Peter and Paul). The motifs of the sculptures are in many ways similar to the style of the Church of the Shepherds in Ani. At the southern wall of the church there is a khachkar made by Momik, made for his own grave. The first floor served as a tomb for members of the Orbelyan family, whose tombstones are distinguished by elegant khachkars and parting words. Two large khachkars are leaning against the western wall, one of which, on the left, belongs to the Momik chisel and was created at the beginning of the 14th century. Narrow cantilevered staircases above the west entrance lead to the second floor chapel, a hall which has a semi-circular apse at the east end with a portrait of Christ carved at the top flanked by two angels and a symbol of the Holy Spirit above the east window. The dome is supported by an open rotunda with images of birds above each outer capital of its 12 columns, as well as a portrait of the church’s benefactor, Prince Burtel, holding a model of the church in his hands. On the façade of the church there are bas-relief stone sculptures; they dominate each wall, softening the massiveness of the walls with round shapes, arches and large crosses. On the eastern wall there is a stepped frame above the upper heraldic emblem of the Orbelian family with three crosses below, the central one surrounded by a sun disk ornament. The window frames on the northern and southern walls are made in the form of ornamented arches. At the corners of the inner frame there are four mermaids, birds and female crowned heads. Similar heraldic symbols were widely used in medieval Armenian art, in stone carvings, miniatures, embroidery, jewelry, and when decorating pottery and ceramics. The original source of the mermaid symbol is unknown, but examples of them were discovered by archaeologists already during excavations of Urartian, Phrygian and Greek monuments. They are mentioned in the Bible, in Indian mythology, and in the legend about the Argonauts' campaign for the Golden Fleece. Images of mermaids were also used in heraldic emblems and sculptures on the walls of churches throughout medieval Europe and the Middle East. Two bas-relief sculptures on the portal of the tomb and above the entrance of the second floor were made by Momik directly during the construction of the church (1339). One of them shows the Blessed Virgin on the throne with the newborn Christ in her arms, surrounded by the archangels Gabriel and Michael. The Armenian letters on either side of Mary's head read “Mayr Astvatsatsin” or “Mother of God.” In this sculptural composition, facial expressions, seemingly living curves of clothing and a sense of space are presented in the same way as in early Gothic art. The child's figure is especially expressive with the position of his arms and crossed legs. The bas-reliefs above the 2nd floor entrance depict Christ surrounded by the apostles Peter and Paul. On both sides of Christ’s head, “Jesus Christ” is written in Armenian letters. Momik honed his art to such skill that, through experimentation, he was able to carve the intended figures in stone, almost completely separating the sculptures from the base. The inscription above the door arch “ԹՎ ՉՁԸ” has been preserved, which means the date of the consecration of the church in 1339 (789 + 551). The date is indicated according to the old Armenian calendar, which was approved in 552. To find the date in the calendar, add 551 (since the first year of the new calendar is already included in the year 552). (Original) Св. Аствацацин (“Буртелашен”), могила Момика Войдя в комплекс с центрального входа, вы сразу же видите впечатляющую двухэтажную церковь Св. Аствацацин. Она была построена князем Буртелом в качестве усыпальницы рода Орбелянов. . Здание церкви Св. Аствацацин Буртелашен считается шедевром армянской архитектуры церквей-усыпальниц. Оно явилось одной из последних работ мастера Момика. Здание имеет ту же планировку, что и церковь Св. Аствацацин в с. Арени. Особенно впечатляют барельефные скульптуры над входом в усыпальницу (Богоматерь и архангелы) и на портале входа второго этажа (Христос с апостолами Петром и Павлом). Мотивы скульптур во многом схожи со стилем церкви Пастухов в Ани. У южной стены церкви сохранился хачкар работы Момика, выполненный для своей же могилы. Первый этаж служил усыпальницей для членов семьи Орбелянов, надгробия которых отличаются изящными хачкарами и напутствиями. К западной стене прислонены два больших хачкара, один из которых – слева – принадлежит резцу Момика и создан в начале XIV в. Узкие консольные лестницы над западным входом ведут в молельню на втором этаже, в зал, который имеет полукруглую апсиду в восточном конце с высеченным наверху портретом Христа с двумя ангелами по бокам и символом Святого Духа над восточным окном. Купол поддерживается открытой ротондой с изображениями птиц над каждой наружной капителью ее 12-ти колонн, а также портретом благотворителя церкви – князя Буртела с макетом церкви в руках. На фасаде церкви - барельефные каменные скульптуры, они преобладают на каждой стене, смягчая массивность стен круглыми формами, арками и большими крестами. На восточной стене – ступенчатое обрамление над верхней геральдической эмблемой семьи Орбелянов с тремя крестами внизу, центральный из которых окружен орнаментом солнечного диска. Обрамления окон на северной и южной стенах выполнены в форме орнаментированных арок. По углам внутреннего обрамления имеются четыре русалки, птицы и женские венценосные головы. Подобные геральдические символы широко использовались в средневековом армянском искусстве, в каменной резьбе, миниатюрах, вышивке, ювелирном деле, при декорировании глиняной и керамической посуды. Первоначальный источник символа русалок неизвестен, но их образцы были обнаружены археологами уже при раскопках урартских, фригийских и греческих памятников. О них упоминается и в Библии, и в индийской мифологии, и в легенде о походе аргонавтов за Золотым руном. Изображения русалок применялись также в геральдических эмблемах и скульптурах на стенах церквей во всей средневековой Европе и на Ближнем Востоке. Две барельефные скульптуры на портале усыпальницы и над входом второго этажа были выполнены Момиком непосредственно во время строительства церкви (1339 г.). На одной из них - Пресвятая Дева на престоле с новорожденным Христом на руках в окружении архангелов Гавриила и Михаила. Армянские буквы по обеим сторонам от головы Марии читаются как “Майр Аствацацин” или “Матерь Божья”. В этой скульптурной композиции выражение лиц, казалось бы живые изгибы одежды и чувство пространства представлены также, как в ранне-готическом искусстве. Фигура ребенка особенно выразительна положением его рук и скрещенными ногами. Барельефы над входом 2-го этажа изображают Христа, окруженного апостолами Петром и Павлом. По обе стороны от головы Христа армянскими буквами написано “Иисус Христос”. Момик отшлифовал свое искусство до такого мастерства, что, экспериментируя, был в состоянии высекать в камне задуманные фигуры, практически полностью отделяя скульптуры от основания. Сохранилась надпись над дверной аркой “ԹՎ ՉՁԸ”, что означает дату освящения церкви в 1339 г. (789 + 551). Дата указана по старому армянскому календарю,,который был утвержден в 552 г.. Чтобы найти дату в календаре, добавьте 551 (так как первый год нового календаря уже включен в год 552).

(Translated by Google) The pearl in the crown of the complex. The complete harmony of shapes, the fluidity of stone decorations and this amazing, one-of-a-kind southern portal make you stand there - as if enchanted - and believe that the genius of the Armenian masters was at the highest level. The shape of the temple is so delicate for the viewer that one wants to admire, admire and admire again... And the setting sun falls softly on Momik's decorations, emphasizing their subtle beauty. (Original) Perła w koronie kompleksu. Pełna harmonia kształtów, płynność kamiennych zdobień i ten niesamowity, jedyny w swoim rodzaju portal południowy sprawiają, że człowiek staje - gdy tam jest - jak urzeczony i wierzy, że geniusz ormiańskich mistrzów był na najwyższym poziomie. Bryła świątyni jest tak delikatna dla patrzącego, że chce się podziwiać, podziwiać i jeszcze raz podziwiać....A zachodzące słońce miękko kładzie się na dekoracjach Momika podkreślając ich subtelne piękno.

(Translated by Google) The main church of the complex is the two-story tomb-church of Prince Burtel, St. Astvatatsin (1339). The spatial dominant of the complex is the two-story tomb-church of Prince Burtel, St. Astvatatsin (1339). The cross-shaped prayer room of the second floor rises above the semi-underground tomb of the rectangular plan of the structure. (Original) Համալիրի գլխավոր եկեղեցին Բուրթել իշխանի երկհարկ դամբարան-եկեղեցին՝ Ս.Աստվածածինը (1339 թ)։ Համալիրի տարածական դոմինանտն է Բուրթել իշխանի երկհարկ դամբարան-եկեղեցին՝ Ս.Աստվածածինը (1339 թ)։ Կառույցի ուղղանկյուն հատակագծով կիսագետնափոր առաջին հարկի դամբարանի վրա բարձրանում է երկրորդ հարկի խաչաձև աղոթարանը, դեպի ուր տանում են պատի մեջ ագուցված պահունակային աստիճանները։

(Translated by Google) The monastery is surrounded by wild, rugged rocks, most of them red:):):):) The route itself that goes through the ravines makes the place magical. (Original) Monastyr otoczony jest dzikimi, urwistymi skałami, w większości koloru czerwonego:):):):) Sama trasą która się jedzie wąwozami sprawia że miejsce jest magiczne.

I had the pleasure of visiting this wonderful winery and was treated to a fantastic experience. From taking a short tour through their production process to sampling their best wines, every moment was truly delightful. The staff was knowledgeable and passionate about their craft, making the tour both informative and engaging. After the tour, I had the opportunity to dine at their on-site restaurant, and the food did not disappoint. The dishes were beautifully presented, and the flavours were exquisite. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, creating the perfect setting to enjoy a delicious meal paired with their exquisite wines. Overall, my visit to this winery was nothing short of amazing. I left feeling satisfied, impressed, and grateful for the memorable experience. I highly recommend this establishment to anyone looking for a top-notch winery experience with great food to match.

An impressive new building with modern stainless steel tanks and wine making equipment. Wooden barrels for maturing the Reserve range of wines. A very large restaurant nearby for lunch and tasting.

Had an informative visit of the winery before tasting and all that for about 1,000 per person which is worth it. The wine is still young but interestingly only made with local grape. We also bought some bottles to bring them back. Bottles are expensive compared to the same price v. quality in Europe but still quite unique to have Armenian wine.

Interesting visit to the factory and wine tasting. Not as generous as the Georgians in terms of wine tasting and quality in my opinion.

The best place in Armenia Food was amazing Quality was fabulous Artyom was amazing very professional and truly amazing I am definitely recommending this place Bravo Armenia Wow

a small short excursion to the factory where we saw large steel containers with wine and barrels, a press and a machine for pouring wine into bottles. tasting with 3 types - white, rose, red.

The guide was pleasant and smiling only until she realized that we didn't want to buy the most expensive wines, but just a few ordinary ones. Then we were glad we went back to Yerevan.

I had the pleasure of visiting this wonderful winery and was treated to a fantastic experience. From taking a short tour through their production process to sampling their best wines, every moment was truly delightful. The staff was knowledgeable and passionate about their craft, making the tour both informative and engaging. After the tour, I had the opportunity to dine at their on-site restaurant, and the food did not disappoint. The dishes were beautifully presented, and the flavours were exquisite. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, creating the perfect setting to enjoy a delicious meal paired with their exquisite wines. Overall, my visit to this winery was nothing short of amazing. I left feeling satisfied, impressed, and grateful for the memorable experience. I highly recommend this establishment to anyone looking for a top-notch winery experience with great food to match.

An impressive new building with modern stainless steel tanks and wine making equipment. Wooden barrels for maturing the Reserve range of wines. A very large restaurant nearby for lunch and tasting.

Had an informative visit of the winery before tasting and all that for about 1,000 per person which is worth it. The wine is still young but interestingly only made with local grape. We also bought some bottles to bring them back. Bottles are expensive compared to the same price v. quality in Europe but still quite unique to have Armenian wine.

Interesting visit to the factory and wine tasting. Not as generous as the Georgians in terms of wine tasting and quality in my opinion.

The best place in Armenia Food was amazing Quality was fabulous Artyom was amazing very professional and truly amazing I am definitely recommending this place Bravo Armenia Wow

a small short excursion to the factory where we saw large steel containers with wine and barrels, a press and a machine for pouring wine into bottles. tasting with 3 types - white, rose, red.

The guide was pleasant and smiling only until she realized that we didn't want to buy the most expensive wines, but just a few ordinary ones. Then we were glad we went back to Yerevan.