Noratus Khachkar (Cross-Stone) “Forest”

This medieval cemetery with a small chapel on its territory protected the villagers from the invasion of Tamerlane. Type: Age: IX - XV cc. Region: Gegharkounik Diocese: Gegharkounik

The medieval cemetery of Noratus (also Noraduz) with a spectacular heritage of early khachkars (Cross-stone) has the largest surviving collection of khachkars both within the present-day Republic of Armenia and Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, as well as throughout historic Armenia.

The cemetery covers a filed containing more than 500 khachkars, each with unique ornamentation and dating back up to the 10^th century.

Miracles/Legends:

Numerous miracles and legends are told about the cemetery. One of the legends is about the times of Tamerlane invasion. When his army reached the region, the villagers placed helmets on top of the khachkars and leaned swords against them. The khackars looked like strong, heavily armed soldiers and made Tamerlane's army to prompt its retreat.

See also

• The Miraculous Khackars 

Visit Noratus Khachkar (Cross-Stone) “Forest” via following packages:

From Noah till Nowadays | 12 days, 13 nights

Destinations/Sites: Amberd St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Etchmiadzin Cathedral Museum, Gayane Church, Geghard Monastery (Ayrivank), Gyumri St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Haghartsin Monastery, Haghpat Monastery, Hayravank Monastery, Hripsime Church, Karmravor Church, Khor Virap Monastery, Makaravank Monastery, Marmashen Monastery, Matenadaran after St. Mesrop Mashtotz, Mughni Monastery (St. Gevork Monastery), Noratus Khachkar (Cross-Stone) “Forest”, Noravank Monastery, Odzun St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtotz Church, Pontifical Residence Museum, Saghmosavank Monastery, Sanahin Monastery, Sevanavank Monastery, Shoghakat Church, Vanadzor Srbots Mankants (Holy Children) Chapel, Yerevan St. Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator) Cathedral, Yerevan Surb Yerrordutiun (Holy Trinity) Church, Zvartnots Cathedral
Regions: Aragatsotn,  Ararat,  Armavir,  Gegharkounik,  Kotayk,  Lori,  Shirak,  Tavush,  Vayots Dzor,  Yerevan
Dioceses: Aragatsotn,  Araratian Pontifical Diocese,  Gegharkounik,  Gougark,  Shirak,  Siunik,  Under the auspice of the Mother See
Recommended for: First time visitors with moderate spiritual experience
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