Noratus Cemetery
Նորատուսի գերեզմանատուն
A medieval cemetery on the west shore of Lake Sevan with nearly a thousand khachkars (cross-stones), one of the world's most concentrated collections of them.
Noratus Cemetery lies in Noratus village on the west shore of Lake Sevan, about 5 km from Gavar. Spread over about 7 hectares, it holds nearly a thousand khachkars (cross-stones) dating from the 9th to the 17th century, spanning a wide range of dates and styles. It is considered the world's most concentrated collection of surviving khachkars. The stones are carved with crosses, patterns, wedding and hunting scenes, and more. Stones covered in orange lichen stand in rows across the highland grassland, creating a striking sight. A small church stands beside the cemetery. Admission is free. Local elderly residents sometimes offer volunteer guiding or sell hand-knitted socks. The cemetery can be combined with Sevanavank Monastery as a one-day trip around Lake Sevan. The drive from Yerevan takes about 1.5 hours.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Lake Sevan & Sevanavank
- Geghard Monastery
- Symphony of Stones (Garni Gorge)
- Garni Temple
- Mother Armenia & Victory Park
- Erebuni Fortress
- Matenadaran
- Cascade Complex