Noravank

Another Armenian icon. Set in a narrow gorge of the Amaghu River, with tall, sheer cliffs, is the two storey church - Surb Astvatsatsin. (No, it isn't an anti-cholesterol medication!)

Unfortunately, we couldn't go in.  But the access to the second storey is that external staircase!!  Makes St Mary's climb to the ringing room look like a doddle.  There was a sign saying "no climbing".

 There was also Surb Karapet. 

We could go into that one.

Note the Archbishop of Canterbury look-alike, to the right.

And some of the stunning scenery around Noravank.  Remember, I was born on the black soil plains of western Queensland!

 

Khor Virap

Gregory the Illuminator was the founder and first head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Zoroastrianism had been the previous religion.  Our guide tells us there were geo-political reasons for the conversion.

The conversion happened in 301.

However  before that, Gregory had refused to give up his Christian beliefs and the King had him imprisoned in a deep hole.  He was there for 14 years, and survived, presumably with some local help.  After that, he was able to convert the King to Christianity in 301 - and, as they say, the rest is history.

Several centuries later, Khor Virap (meaning "deep dungeon") has been built on top of the supposed pit.  Who can argue?

Khor Virap

Detail on the tower

Inside the church

And, the pit.

Mt Ararat

The money shot - Mount Ararat.  It always seems to have cloud around it.

No sign of Noah's boat - which is supposed to have come to rest on top of it.

Mount Ararat is on Armenia's coat of arms, but border changes and contests means it is now in Turkey, but visible from Armenia.

You can see a mark - actually a fence - running from left to right , almost half way up the side.  This is the beginning of the zone along the border.

Armenia's coat of arms..

 

And yes, AI on Google tells me that IS Noah's Ark on top of the mountain. 

Sevanavank

 This is one of the icons of Armenia.  (Pic courtesy of Wikipedia)

 

These are two churches, built  on what was an island in Lake Sevan.  Under the Soviets, the level of the lake dropped in order to provide hydro-electricity, so the island became a peninsula.

There are over 200 steps to reach the monastery.  They weren't high steps, but like much of Armenia, the ground is uneven and railings unpredictable.  However, we did make it to the top.  It was so windy that I didn't stop to take photos.

But at the top was the building.  It was founded in 874, and presumably built soon after.

It is another old, dark church - with minimal lighting! But very evocative, considering its age.

Haghpat Monastery Complex

 Haghpat Monastery was built between the 10th and 13th centuries.  It was founded by the wife of a Bagratid King Ashot III in 976. (Thanks Wikipedia).

There is a cathedral, a church, a free-standing bell-tower (with 2 bells), a library - and others. I also learned about a gavit - similar to a narthex but often much larger.  An area just inside the entrance but distinct from the church itself.  In Armenia, the gavit can be larger than the church, and can be used for burials.

We were told to walk freely over tombstones.  It means the dead are helping us, by providing a place to walk.  Oh well!

Haghpat is one of the icons of Armenia, and we saw various other tour groups  French, Korean  and others.

Gavit outside a church at Haghpat Monastery Complex.

 

Other pics at Haghpat

 

Two cross-stones - or khachkar - memorial stones - for the soul of a living or deceased person, or for for an event, such a a military victory.  (Thanks Wikipedia) 

And the belfry - and bells.

 

More on Yerevan

Cars and number plates are  different in new places.

An Armenian number plate

And have seen a BYD EV.

Republic Square, looking towards the Museum of History.

Our hotel

A public advertisement for an art collection. Gladys look alike?

Everyone comes out at night

Public water fountains. A brilliant idea - no way can you touch the tap! 

 There's always a bridal party somewhere!

Tourism is big here.  Not sure just what you are buying though.

Yerevan

Safely in Yerevan. Arrived at 1am local time, and still adjusting to the interrupted sleep plus 2 hour time zone adjustment.

Immigration fellow studied every page in mine, and Kin Mun's passports, before stamping them and saying, with a smile,  "Welcome to Armenia".  A  good start!  Fortunately we had booked a transfer, so straight to our hotel.

After breakfast, went for a walk nearby.  The tour itself begins tomorrow, late morning.

 

Some random pics and observations....

Very warm - reminiscent of Longreach weather.  Into the thirties and seems quite dry.

Lots of Gladys look-alikes!

Modern buildings, side by side with abandoned and decaying ones.

 

Also in Armenia...

What did we have for lunch?!

Presumably a child care centre.

 

 

Dad always warned me to be careful when driving past pubs...

 

 

 

More to come.......