Noraduz

Armenia’s Historic Cemetery of Khachkars

(Elevation: 1930 m)

Nestled near Lake Sevan, Noraduz is an extraordinary medieval cemetery, renowned for its extensive field of khachkars, or cross-stones, each a beautifully preserved testament to Armenian Christian heritage. As one of the largest villages along the right bank of the Gavara River, Noraduz boasts an array of historical sites and a legacy of ancient craftsmanship. In the heart of the village lies the 9th-century Saint Astvatsatsin Church, built by Prince Sahak Ishkhan of Gegharkunik. Another landmark, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, was constructed in the 9th-10th centuries on the village’s edge.

The Noraduz cemetery is celebrated for its impressive collection of khachkars, dating from the 13th to the 17th centuries, and arranged by family and clan groups. Today, it stands as Armenia’s largest khachkar collection, following the destruction of the previously largest khachkar site in Old Jugha (Nakhijevan) by Azerbaijan. Near the area called Shor-Gol, Bronze and Iron Age tombs have been uncovered, yielding artifacts such as arrows, jewelry, and other ancient treasures, which add even more layers to the historical significance of this remarkable site.