On a ledge, rising high above the canyon, surrounded by steep red rocks, the monastery of Noravank is located. The ruins of the oldest building of Noravank monastic complex is the church of St. Karapet dating from 9-10c. To the north of this building, the new church of St. Karapet was erected in the 13th century. In 1339 the church of St. Godmother (or Burtelashen) was added to the complex.
Shativank is situated 4 km to the east of the village Shatin, on the right side of the gorge of the same name. It was built by the order of Smbat, Sahak princes of Syunik and lady Sophia in 929.
This monastic complex of the medieval Armenian architecture is located in Arates village of Vayots Dzor Province of RA, on the bank of the Rivulet Arates of the Yeghegis River, on the top of a hill.