The monastery before your dining table, Noravank, was built out of love by the medieval architect Momik over 700 years ago. Momik had fallen in love with the daughter of the Prince of Syunik, who ruled over this part of Armenia. The love was mutual, but the Prince had one condition for Momik: “I’ll give you my daughter’s hand in marriage, but only if you can build a temple of incredible and unmatched beauty, in less than three years.” Momik went to work immediately, and met the deadline. But as he was placing the final stone in its place on the dome of the monastery, by the order of the Prince an unknown assailant pushed him off. Momik tragically plummeted to the ground, clutching the last block of his masterpiece in his hands. That stone became his tombstone. Momik may have died that day, but the love and beauty he left behind remains. This is just one of many stories you’ll hear during your experience.