Noravank and Khor Virap

Saturday we had a group excursion to another two monasteries. The first was Khor Virap, the place where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 14 years as legend has it. In reality he was there for 14 days. We were able to hike down into the pit and I assure you 14 days was more than enough. This is where Gregory is said to have cured King Trdat III of a disease and caused the king and Armenian nation to become the first Christian nation. The monastery offers a striking view of Mt. Ararat. You are also able to see the border (the Arax river) with Turkey.