One of the most unique manifestations of the Armenian people’s cultural heritage is the
khachkar (cross-stone). After the destruction of 2500 khachkars in Jugha, today the largest
khachkar complex in the world is located in Noratus village of Gegharkunik region of Armenia.
At a rural cemetery, about 900 khachkars, dating from the 10-18th centuries, are still preserved
on the right bank of the Gavaraget River on the area of ​​1.9 hectares, five km to the north-east
from the Gegharkunik regional center - the city of Gavar.
The height of some khachkars reaches 1.5 meters. A unique collection of khachkars also played
a salutary role for the local population. According to legend, during the invasion of Tamerlane’s
army, the villagers put helmets on top of the khachkars and put swords on them. From a
distance, these structures looked like an armed army. As a result, the army of Tamerlane was
frightened by the obsolete appearance of this "army" and retreated.
Most of the khachkars date back to the 13-17th centuries, they are set by groups, being part of
the cemeteries of individual families.

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