Sevan Lake, Hayravank, Noratus

Sevan Lake / Lake Sevan is the largest body of water in Armenia and the Caucasus region. It is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude(alpine)lakes in Eurasia. The lake is situated in Gegharkunik Province, at an altitude of 1,900 m (6,234 ft) above sea level. The total surface area of its basin is about 5,000 km2 (1,900 sq mi), which makes up 1⁄6 of Armenia’s territory.The lake itself is 1,242 km2 (480 sq mi), and the volume is 32.8 km3 (7.9 cu mi). It is fed by 28 rivers and streams. Only 10% of the incoming water is drained by the Hrazdan River, while the remaining 90% evaporates. he lake provides some 90% of the fish and 80% of the crayfish catch of Armenia. Sevan has significant economic, cultural, and recreational value.

Sevanavank Monastery Complex / Founded in the 305 y., two churches – 874 y. The Sevan monastery was once located on the Sevan island (now peninsula in Gegharkunik district). The island was strengthened with fort walls during the bronze century. During the 9th century Sevan became the royal citadel of the Syuniats kings. In 874 the daughter of King Ashot Bagratuni – Mariam, built the Arakelots and the St.Astvatzatzin (Holy Virgin) churches. There is a chapel on the eastern side of the St.Astvatzatzin church, whose columns have carved wooden decorated capitals, which are important examples of Armenian wood-carving art, and they are now preserved both in the Armenian State Historical museum and in the Hermitage. In the area of the monastery there are numerous cross-stones. During 1956-1957 the churches were once again reconstructed.

Hayravank monastery / The Hayravank monastery complex of the 9-12th century is located on the north-eastern part of Hayravank village on Lake Sevan’s shore in the Gegharkunik district. A church with an attached west entry, and an octagonal shaped vault, formed by black and red inclined stones was preserved. In the area of the monastery a few dwellings were discovered. The oldest item, a black polished vessel – belonging to the early bronze period was discovered. But more characteristic to that complex, are items referred to as the «iron period» – the colorful decorated iron, and the golden, stone weapons, tools and decorations, clay idols, numerous vessels, fireplaces and other such treasures were also discovered.

Monuments Of the Village Noratus / On the shores of the Gavaraget River in the Gegharkunik district lies the Noratus village, which is the oldest section of the entire district, where numerous historical monuments were preserved. In th village center is the St.Astvatzatzin church, and on the south-eastern edge the St.Grigor Lusavorich cemetery. The St.Astvatzatzin church was built by Gegharkunik’s king Sahak at the end of the 9th century. Its architectural composition was composed of «vaulted hall» type construction. The St.Grigor Lusavorich church was built in the 9-10th centuries, and eventually during the 10-11thcenturies was also converted to the vaulted hall type of construction, by architect Khachatur. Remarkable is the villages’ southern large cemetery with its many cross-stones. The majority of them belonging to the 13-17th centuries, as a group of cross-stones on family cemeteries. You can also view smaller rectangular tombs here, with cross-stones placed on top of them. In Noradyugh many talented stone masters were chiseling these works, namely: Melikset, Nerses, Kiram and others. In the tombs of the Shor-Gyol area items made of bronz and iron period were found.