Noratus Cemetery: A Forest of Khachkars
Explore Armenia's largest collection of medieval khachkars at Noratus Cemetery, a testament to Armenian artistry and cultural heritage near Lake Sevan.
The Noratus Cemetery, near Lake Sevan, Armenia, is a medieval graveyard holding the largest collection of khachkars (intricately carved memorial stones) in the country. These unique cross-stones, dating as far back as the 10th century, showcase Armenian artistry and cultural heritage. Wander through this open-air museum and witness the silent stories etched in stone.
A brief summary to Noratus Cemetery
- 95FJ+WHG, Noratus, AM
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Noratus Cemetery.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven ground while exploring the cemetery.
- Visit in the late afternoon for the best lighting to photograph the khachkars, as they all face west.
- Take your time to examine the individual khachkars; each one has unique carvings and tells a different story.
- Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the history and symbolism of the khachkars.
- Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Lake Sevan and the Sevanavank Monastery for a full day of exploration.
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Getting There
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Public Transport
From Yerevan, take a minibus (marshrutka) #326 from the Northern Bus Station to Gavar. These depart approximately every 30 minutes. The ticket costs around 1100 AMD. From Gavar's central square (near St. Astvatsatsin Church), take another minibus to Noratus village; these depart frequently (almost every 15 minutes) between 08:30 and 14:30. From Noratus village center, the cemetery is a short walk (about 1 kilometer) in the southeastern direction. Ask locals for directions. Total cost for the final approach: around 1500 AMD.
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Taxi
From Yerevan, a taxi directly to Noratus Cemetery is the most convenient but expensive option. Use taxi apps like GG Taxi or Yandex Taxi. The ride takes approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes. Negotiate the fare before starting the trip. Expect to pay around 20,000-22,000 AMD for a round trip, including waiting time. There are parking areas near the cemetery.
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Driving
From Yerevan, take the M4 highway towards Sevan and Gavar. Continue past Sevan, then turn right onto the H30 towards Gavar. From Gavar, continue to Noratus; signs will guide you to the cemetery. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Parking is available near the cemetery. Be aware of local weather and road conditions.
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