Noratus cemetery

The cemetery spans seven hectares and contains nearly one thousand khachkars, Armenian cross-stones with detailed carvings and patterns decorating the surfaces.

Dating from the 10th century, the cemetery gained additional khachkars during the Safavid Empire period when master carvers Kiram, Arakel, and Meliset created new monuments.

The khachkars feature intricate designs depicting daily scenes from Armenian life, including agricultural activities, weddings, and religious ceremonies carved into the stone crosses.

Located 90 kilometers north of Yerevan near Lake Sevan, visitors can reach the cemetery by car or organized tour from the capital city.

During a medieval invasion, locals placed helmets on the khachkars and positioned swords against them, creating an illusion of armed soldiers that deterred enemy forces.

GPS coordinates: 40.37429,45.18175

Latest update: March 6, 2025 05:22