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Amberd Fortress: A Medieval Armenian Stronghold

Explore the medieval Amberd Fortress in Armenia, a historic castle with stunning views on the slopes of Mount Aragats. Open daily 9 AM to 8 PM.

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Perched on the slopes of Mount Aragats, Amberd Fortress is a 7th-century medieval complex offering a glimpse into Armenia's rich history. Explore the ruins of the castle, church, and bathhouse while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

A brief summary to Amberd fortress

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the daytime when it's sunny, as the mountain road can be narrow and visibility may be poor otherwise.
  • Wear comfortable shoes to explore the fortress, as the terrain is uneven.
  • Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of the Armenian landscape.
  • Consider visiting between March and July to see the surrounding area covered in wildflowers.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions in the mountains can change rapidly.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Yerevan, a taxi is the most direct way to reach Amberd Fortress. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour and costs around 5700-8600 AMD (approximately $12-$19 USD). Several taxi services operate in Yerevan, including U Taxi, Taxi Viva and Noy Taxi. Be sure to negotiate the fare or confirm the metered rate before starting your journey.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Amberd by public transport from Yerevan, take bus number 202 from Kilikia bus station to Echmiadzin. The bus fare is approximately 500 AMD (around $1 USD). From Echmiadzin, take a taxi to Amberd Fortress, which costs approximately 5400-6800 AMD (about $11-$14 USD). The total travel time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

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Discover more about Amberd fortress

Amberd Fortress, meaning "fortress in the clouds" in Armenian, is a captivating historical site located 52 kilometers (32 miles) from Yerevan on the slopes of Mount Aragats. This 7th-century fortress stands at an altitude of 2,300 meters (7,500 feet), offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Originally built by the Kamsarakan princes in the 7th century, Amberd later became the summer residence of the Pahlavuni family in the 10th century. The fortress was strategically important, serving as a key defensive point for the Armenian Kingdom. The complex includes the castle, the Church of Holy Virgin (Astvatsatsin), and a bathhouse, all constructed from rough-hewn basalt blocks. In the 11th century, Seljuk Turks briefly captured Amberd before it was liberated by Armenian and Georgian forces. The fortress was eventually destroyed by Mongols in the 13th century and later reconstructed. Today, visitors can explore the ruins, including the three-story castle, the well-preserved bathhouse with its advanced heating system, and the Church of Holy Virgin, built in 1026. Secret passages leading to the Arkashen River add to the intrigue of this historical site. Visiting Amberd offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and imagine life in medieval Armenia. The fortress is open from 9 AM to 8 PM, and the entrance fee is 1500 AMD for tourists. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when the surrounding meadows are covered in wildflowers. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the uneven terrain and bring a camera to capture the stunning views.

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