Noratus, or Norat-Dus, is located in the Gegharkunik region, near the town of Gavar, about a 1.5-hour drive from Yerevan. It is one of the earliest settlements mentioned in medieval Armenian sources.
Noratus is best known for its large number of medieval monuments, particularly its khachkars—intricately carved cross-stones that are unique to Armenian culture. The Noratus cemetery is especially famous; it contains the largest cluster of khachkars in Armenia, making it a significant cultural and historical site.
The oldest khachkar found in the cemetery dates back to the 10th century. During the 16th–17th centuries, there was a revival of khachkar art, and many new ones were created during the Safavid period, when Oriental artistic influences became prominent in Armenian craftsmanship.
There were three main master carvers behind the khachkars of Noratus, the most notable being Kiram Kazmogh, along with his contemporaries Arakel and Meliset.
The cemetery spans over 7 hectares and contains thousands of khachkars, each adorned with unique ornamental carvings. Most of these stones are now covered with moss and lichen, adding to the ancient atmosphere of the site.
Some tombstones also feature carved scenes—including weddings, farm life, and everyday moments. According to local tradition, these carvings reflect how the person lived or died, telling their life story directly on their grave.
Among the khachkars, there is also a small church called the Holy Virgin Church, believed to have been built in the 9th century.
In 1977, one of the khachkars from the Noratus cemetery was donated to the British Museum by Catholicos Vazgen I, highlighting its international cultural value.
According to a popular folk tale, the cemetery once played a crucial role during the invasion of Tamerlane’s army. As the legend goes, the villagers placed helmets on top of the khachkars and leaned swords against them to make it appear as though a massive army stood in defense.
When Tamerlane’s soldiers saw the scene from a distance, they believed the Armenians were well-prepared with giant warriors, and so they retreated without attacking.
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