Our first stop was a photo opp with this magnificent view of Mount Ararat (18,000 ft) with historic Khor Virap monastery in the foreground.
Khor Virap, located in the Ararat Plain near the border with Turkey. Its name translates from Armenian as “deep dungeon,” a reference to the pit where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 to 14 years by King Tiridates III of Armenia.
The site is significant because it is directly tied to Armenia’s conversion to Christianity in 301AD. The first chapel was built at the site in 642 AD. The main church, known as St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), was constructed in the 17th century.
For several miles we passed through an Azerbaijan enclave within Armenia which is officially recognized by the U.N. As Azerbaijan! Yay! I just reached country #100!!!
Just because we’re not getting enough food we stopped at a cheese making endeavor for some delicious cheese, glass of wine and a coffee!
Noravank Monastery is a 13th-century Armenian monastery located in a narrow gorge carved out by the Amaghu River. “Noravank” means “new monastery” in Armenian even though it was founded in 1105. It is considered one of the country’s most admired shrines and a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture with the Holy Mother of God Church and St. John the Baptist Church.
While there we saw a wedding in the St. John the Baptist Church and also received a blessing ourselves from the Abbot.
We arrived in Goris in southern Armenia after passing through Mount Taims and over passes at 7500feet.
