Smbataberd

Smbataberd is located to the east of the village Artabuynk of Vayots Dzor Marz (region). The first records about the fortress refer to the 5th century. But the appearance of the fence and the massif might assume that in the present form the fortress was built in the 10th-11th centuries. Smbataberd was one of the most important medieval fortified settlements in Armenia. The fortress is impregnable enough, as it has also the natural fence, the Gorges Artabuni and Eghegis. The fences are high and wide. The length reaches to 8-10 m. and the width to 3-5 m. They are made of hewn stones of basalt and mortar for plastering. The total length of the fences is about 1 km. The fortress is divided into two parts by the fence: the northern part and the southern part. Both parts have their citadels. The ruins of military barracks and pools have preserved in both parts of the fortress. The fortress was built according to the rules of medieval castles building and was provided for a long-lasting defense. The fortress has three entrances, the main one of which is the northern entrance. The fortress is divided into northern and southern parts by the wall, where the ruins of citadels, houses and swimming pools have preserved. Water was laid from a spring located near the monastery Tsakhats Kar by the water supply system. Today Smbataberd is one of the favorite places of tourists visiting Armenia.