Khor Virap Monastery (17th -18th centuries) is located on the spot of the prison where the patron saint of Armenia St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for thirteen years. According to the legend Armenia’s King Tiridates the Great imprisoned St. Gregory in a pit full of snakes for preaching Christianity. After 13 years of ordeal Gregory was finally set free in 301 A.D. converting the King and Armenians into Christianity. The visitors can still descend into the pit where Gregory was held captive.
Noravank Monastery is considered to be a masterpiece of Armenian Monastic Architecture. This spectacular monastery was built in 13th century nestled deep in the Noravank canyon. According to the legend Noravank housed a piece of the True Cross stained with Christ’s blood. The two storied sepulcher church was built in the 14th century. Noravank Monastery rests in perfect harmony with the magnificent nature surrounding it.