Noratus cemetery, Medieval cemetery in Noratus village, Armenia.
Noratus cemetery is a medieval burial ground holding nearly one thousand khachkars, Armenian cross-stones decorated with detailed carved patterns and designs. The monuments spread across seven hectares and vary in size, style, and the complexity of their decorations.
The cemetery began in the 10th century and later received additional khachkars during the Safavid era, when master craftsmen such as Kiram, Arakel, and Meliset carved new monuments. This period marked a peak in the artistic development of the burial markers.
The khachkars display detailed carvings of scenes from Armenian daily life such as farming, celebrations, and religious gatherings carved directly into the stone surfaces. These images show how people wanted to preserve their customs and most important moments in stone.
The cemetery lies about 90 kilometers north of Yerevan near Lake Sevan and is accessible by car or organized tours from the capital. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and allow time for walking across the large grounds.
During a medieval invasion, locals placed helmets on the khachkars and positioned swords against them to create the appearance of armed soldiers. This clever trick fooled attackers and protected the sacred site from destruction.
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