Sevan Local Customs

Katchkars are carved stone crosses (it means cross-stone) and they are a unique tradition to the Armenians and can be found all over Armenia. They are memorial stones with carved crosses, often with a sun disc or rosette below it and with ornaments like leaves and grapes. The Armenians started to make katchkars in the 9th century.
Katchkars can often be seen around monasteries. At Sevanavank there are some by the stairs on the way up and many in the small courtyard in front of Astvatsatsin Church and also some around the church.
Often Armenian church walls are decorated with carved stone crosses.