Khor Virap is one of the Armenian symbols. The monastery-fortress is located 40km from Yerevan and less than 1km from the borders of the republic. Translated from Armenian, "Virap" means "pit". The suffocating dark prison, where the prisoners where imprisoned to death, swarmed with snakes and scorpions. Khor Virap was the place of imprisonment of Gregory the Illuminator, were he spent longlasting 15 years of his life by the order of Tiridates III.

He survived only due to God’s favor and the help of a local woman, who secretly brought him food and water during the years of imprisonment. Later, only Gregory could help Tiridates, who had lost all reason. He restored the king to sanity, and being moved by gratitude and repentance the king was baptized.

Noravank is a monastery complex build in AD XII century, on the ledge of narrow twisting canyon at Arpa river. The canyon is famous for its red perpendicular rocks, that raise behind the monastery, where the two-storey curch of Holy Mother of God is located. During the reign of Orbelian lords the monastery was a major religious center, and in XIV century it became the residence for Syunik bishops.

All the works were implemented by the famous architect, sculptor and miniaturist - Momik in the 12th century. Noravank is considered for nomination in the UNESCO World Heritage List.