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Sights of Armenia Gegharkunik
Noratus (Cross-Stones)
- RegionGegharkunik
- Distance from Yerevan92.7 km
- TypeMonastery/Church
Gegharkunik
About this place
In the Armenian world, khachkars (cross-stones) can be found almost everywhere, as they are one of the most distinctive expressions of Armenian cultural heritage.
The largest khachkar field in the world is located in Noratus village, in Gegharkunik Province, one of the oldest settlements in the region. The village cemetery, also known as the Noratus Khachkar Field, is famous for its multitude of khachkars. About 900 khachkars stand there—the oldest dating to the 9th century, and most to the 13th–14th centuries.
Previously, the Julfa (Jugha) cemetery in Nakhichevan, with its 2,500 khachkars, was the largest, but it was destroyed by Azerbaijan between 1998 and 2005.
Numerous talented stone masters worked in Noratus, including Melikset the Carver, Nerses, Kiram, and others. In addition to the cemetery, the village and surrounding areas contain other monuments as well.
Interesting
facts about Noratus (Cross-Stones)
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In 2010, “The Art of Armenian Khachkars: Symbolism and Craftsmanship” was included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
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According to legend, when the Seljuk Turks advanced with a large army against King Gegham’s small army, the king ordered clothes to be put on the khachkars. From a distance, the Seljuks mistook the khachkars for a large army and fled in panic, leading to an Armenian victory.
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The village has ancient historical roots and preserves the following churches: Holy Mother of God Church (9th century) and St. Gregory Church (13th century).
Weather in Gegharkunik
The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for Noratus depends on the weather conditions.
Noratus (Cross-Stones)
FAQ
What is the Noratus Khachkar Field?
It is the cemetery of Noratus village and the largest khachkar field in the world. About 900 khachkars (cross-stones) stand there: the oldest date to the 9th century and most to the 13th–14th centuries.
Where is Noratus?
Noratus is a village in Gegharkunik Province and one of the oldest settlements in the region.
What legend is told about the Noratus khachkars?
According to legend, when the Seljuk Turks advanced with a large army against King Gegham’s small army, the king ordered clothes to be put on the khachkars. From a distance the Seljuks mistook the khachkars for a large army and fled in panic, and the Armenians won.
Who carved the Noratus khachkars, and is khachkar art recognized by UNESCO?
Many talented stone masters worked in Noratus, including Melikset the Carver, Nerses, Kiram and others. In 2010, “The Art of Armenian Khachkars: Symbolism and Craftsmanship” was included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
What else is there to see in Noratus?
Besides the cemetery, the village and its surroundings have other monuments, including the Holy Mother of God Church (9th century) and St. Gregory Church (13th century).
Gegharkunik
Plan your visit
Address
Noratus Cemetery, Норатус, Армения
Gegharkunik
Sights near Noratus (Cross-Stones)
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