Armenia is a country with a rich history and culture, and it is home to numerous ancient fortresses and castles that are worth visiting. Here are some of the most notable Armenian fortresses.
Amberd Fortress
Amberd Fortress is a medieval Armenian fortress located in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. It is situated on the southern slopes of Mount Aragats, at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. The fortress was built during the 7th century AD and was an important defensive structure during the Bagratid Kingdom of Armenia.
The name Amberd means “fortress in the clouds” in Armenian, and the location of the fortress was chosen for its strategic position, which provided an excellent view of the surrounding area. The fortress was designed to withstand attacks from enemies, with thick walls, towers, and a complex system of tunnels and underground passages.
The fortress was also the site of a royal palace, a bathhouse, and a church. The church, dedicated to Saint Astvatsatsin, was built in the 11th century and is one of the oldest surviving churches in Armenia.
Today, Amberd Fortress is a popular tourist attraction and is open to visitors. Visitors can explore the ruins of the fortress, the church, and other structures, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The fortress is also a popular destination for hiking and trekking, with several hiking trails leading to and from the site.
Erebuni Fortress
Erebuni Fortress, also known as Arin Berd, is an ancient fortress located in the southeastern part of Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia. The fortress was built by the Urartian king Argishti I in 782 BC and served as a military stronghold and administrative center of the Urartian kingdom.
The name “Erebuni” is derived from the Urartian word “Erepuni”, meaning “founding” or “establishment”. The fortress was built on a hill overlooking the Ararat plain and the surrounding mountains, providing a strategic vantage point for defense and surveillance.
The fortress is a rectangular structure with walls made of large stones and mud bricks. It had several towers, gates, and courtyards, and was surrounded by a moat. Inside the fortress, there were residential buildings, workshops, storage facilities, and a palace.
In 1968, during excavations in the area, the remains of the fortress were discovered and later reconstructed. Today, Erebuni Fortress is a popular tourist attraction and is open to visitors. The fortress houses a museum that displays artifacts discovered during the excavations, as well as information about the history and culture of the Urartian kingdom.
Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views of Yerevan and the surrounding area from the top of the fortress. Erebuni Fortress is considered one of the most significant archaeological sites in Armenia and is an important reminder of the country’s ancient past.
Lori Fortress
This fortress is located in the northern province of Lori and was built in the 11th century. It sits atop a hill overlooking the Debed River and the surrounding valley.
The fortress is situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Debed River and the surrounding valley. It is built of large stone blocks and features impressive defensive walls, towers, and bastions. The fortress was designed to withstand sieges and attacks, and it played an important role in the history of the region.
During the 12th and 13th centuries, the fortress was a center of political and cultural activity. It was also the residence of the Georgian royal family and hosted numerous cultural events, including music concerts and poetry readings.
Today, Lori Fortress is a popular tourist attraction and is open to visitors. The fortress has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years, and visitors can explore the ruins of the fortress and learn about its rich history and cultural significance. The fortress also offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valley, making it a popular destination for photography and hiking.
Smbataberd Fortress
Smbataberd Fortress is a historic fortress located in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia. It is situated on a mountainous ridge overlooking the Yeghegis River and the surrounding valley.
The fortress was built in the 5th century AD by the Armenian prince Smbat Bagratuni, after whom it was named. It was used as a strategic stronghold during the Arab invasions of the 7th century, and later played a key role in the defense against the Seljuk Turks in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Smbataberd Fortress is known for its impressive defensive walls, which are up to 4 meters thick in some places. The fortress also contains a number of historic structures, including a church, a chapel, and several living quarters.
Today, Smbataberd Fortress is a popular tourist destination in Armenia, known for its stunning views of the surrounding landscape and its rich cultural and historical significance.
Tatev Fortress
Tatev Fortress is a medieval fortress located in the Syunik Province of Armenia. It is situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Vorotan River Gorge and is part of the larger Tatev Monastery complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The fortress was built in the 9th century AD as a defensive stronghold for the nearby Tatev Monastery. Over the centuries, it was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt by various armies and invaders, including the Mongols and the Persians.
Today, the ruins of Tatev Fortress stand as a testament to Armenia’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. The fortress is known for its impressive walls, towers, and ramparts, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the fortress’s various structures, including the main gate, the keep, and the chapel, and learn about its fascinating history through guided tours and exhibits.
In addition to its cultural significance, Tatev Fortress is also a popular tourist destination in Armenia due to its stunning natural beauty and the nearby Wings of Tatev aerial tramway, which offers panoramic views of the Vorotan River Gorge and the surrounding mountains.
Dashtadem Fortress
Dashtadem Fortress is a historical site located in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. It is an ancient fortress that dates back to the 9th century and was built during the reign of the Bagratuni dynasty. The fortress was strategically located on the Dashtadem plateau, which overlooks the Kasagh River and provided an excellent vantage point for observing and guarding the surrounding territory.
The fortress consists of a massive stone wall that surrounds an inner courtyard and several towers that were used for lookout and defense. The walls of the fortress are constructed using large blocks of stone, and they are reinforced with buttresses to provide additional strength.
The Dashtadem Fortress played an important role in Armenian history, serving as a military stronghold during several conflicts. It was also used as a place of refuge for civilians during times of war.
Today, the fortress is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who are interested in Armenian history and architecture. The site has been partially restored, and visitors can explore the ruins of the fortress and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Bjni fortress
Bjni Fortress is a medieval Armenian fortress located in the village of Bjni in the Kotayk Province of Armenia. The fortress was built on a rocky hill overlooking the village of Bjni and the surrounding Ararat plain.
The exact date of the construction of the fortress is not known, but it is believed to have been built during the 9th-10th centuries. The fortress was an important military stronghold during the medieval period, serving as a defense against foreign invaders and rival Armenian princes.
The fortress consists of two main parts: the lower fortress and the upper fortress. The lower fortress is a rectangular structure that served as the administrative center of the fortress. The upper fortress is located on the top of the hill and is surrounded by high walls and towers. This part of the fortress served as the military stronghold and provided protection to the people living in the area.
Today, the Bjni Fortress is a popular tourist destination in Armenia, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to explore the rich history and culture of the region. The fortress is also an important cultural monument, reflecting the unique architecture and building techniques of the medieval period in Armenia.
Meghri Fortress
Meghri Fortress is an ancient fortress located in the southern part of Armenia, near the town of Meghri. The fortress was built on a hill overlooking the valley of the Meghri River, and it played an important role in the defense of the region against various invaders throughout history.
The Meghri Fortress dates back to the 9th century AD and was rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current fortress was built in the 17th century by the ruler of the region, Melik-Hakob Jughayetsi. The fortress consists of several structures, including a palace, a mosque, a church, and several defensive walls and towers.
Today, the Meghri Fortress is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can explore the various structures and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
These are just a few of the many fortresses and castles that can be found throughout Armenia. Each one has its own unique history and architectural style, and visiting them can provide a glimpse into the country’s fascinating past.