In the heart of Gegharkunik, not far from the serene shores of Lake Sevan, lies Noratus a vast khachkar cemetery where stone has become an eternal manuscript, written by the hands of ancient masters. Beneath the open sky stand hundreds of khachkars, each one a chapter of history, each a silent prayer carved toward the heavens. The most treasured are the finely chiseled monuments of the 13th-14th centuries, where delicate lines intertwine with deep symbolism, carrying the unmistakable signature of the craftsman. Walking among them, one feels time dissolve: some stones radiate stern majesty, others display fragile lacework, as if the carvings come alive beneath the sun's touch.
Noratus is often called a "symphony of khachkars" and indeed, every ornament and motif here seems to echo in harmony with the wind and the whisper of the mountains. It is one of the few places where the art of khachkars can be seen evolving through centuries, reflecting both the joys and sorrows of the Armenian people.
Legends say the soul of the master lives within each stone and thus they continue to "breathe" even after centuries have passed. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Armenian khachkar art lives on here, ensuring that the memory of medieval Armenia will forever speak to those who come to listen.