Fortress Amberd: On top of the world

Today I'm going to tell you about the Amberd fortress. For centuries it has been standing alone, on top of the world, in a mysterious silence. From time to time by time this silence is broken by excited travelers who can’t help to climb to the top of the fortress and to express their feelings shouting and singing.

The fortress

Amberd medieval fortress was built in 10th century at 7 km distance from Byurakan, on the southern slope of Mount Aragats. The fortress is built right where Arkashan and Amberd rivers meet, on a cliff in 2300m height. The fotress and some parts of the walls around it were built in the 7th century and it served as a summer residence of kings. The fortress has three floors. It had a very important military role during Bagratid dynasty. The walls of the towers are sloping, thanks which they managed to control the situation around the fortress (in case of attacks).

Credits to rparys

Water supply was vital and became possible through clay pipes. Now there are saved the reservoirs where the water from melting snow and rain was being collected.

Some parts of the fortress were destroyed during Mongol invasions, though later, in the 13th century it had been restorated. From the small windows of the fortress opens a great view to the gorge and to the surrounding mountains. The nature here is nice- there are numerous plants in the territory of the fortress that are typical only for this place, birds that soar over the fortress and calm wind that plays with the clouds moving them back and forth.

The Church

The church Vahramashen nearby the fortress was built by Vahram Pahlavuni in 1026. This nice and typical Armenian style church was the first to have two-story vestries.

Credits to Marlenka

On the opposite side of the church, on the mount, there is a trace of a big shoe. Following the legend, it’s the trace of Ashot Yerkat's (Armenian King) shoe. He was so powerful and burly that left his footprint everywhere he went.

Visiting Amberd should be on your “to do” list in Armenia. Taking this destination you can visit also the Alphabet monument, Saghmosavank as well as the Stone Lake that is not very far. Here, by one of the most impressive fortresses in the world, you can spend a couple of hours enjoying the fresh air, having a picnic, cycling or just sitting on top of the castle and letting your brain relax from the crazy city life.