Amberd Fortress, Yerevan

Amberd Fortress, Yerevan (Armenia)

Amberd Fortress is a medieval fortress Amberd on the southern slopes of the Mount Aragats away from the hectic cities. It stands on the rocky cliff on the height of 2100 meters protected from two sides with deep gorges at the junction of rivers Amberd and Arkashen. This unique sight is located 50km from Yerevan.The history of Amberd goes back to the 7th century when Armenian princes Kamsarakan started there construction of the fortressThe architecture of Amberd is simple. Walls of the fortress are made of massive basalt tiles that once served to protect from shells and siege weapons. In some places thickness of walls reaches 4 meters. Foundations of construction and few walls had been preserved inside the fortress. Church Vagramashen was built in 1026 and reached our days practically in its original state. Church architecture is ascetic as well as the entire fortress and its only exquisite detail is the southern door.