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Amberd Fortress: Fortress in the Clouds

Explore the medieval ruins of Amberd Fortress, perched high in the Armenian mountains, offering history and stunning panoramic views.

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Perched high on the slopes of Mount Aragats, Amberd Fortress is a 7th-century stronghold that once served as a vital military and defensive point for the Armenian Kingdom. Explore the ruins of this historic site, including the castle, church, and bathhouse, and soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

A brief summary to Amberd fortress

  • Monday 9 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-8 pm
  • Friday 9 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in the daytime, as the road to Amberd is narrow and visibility can be poor at night.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the uneven terrain within the fortress.
  • Visit during the warmer months (May-October) as winter access can be difficult due to snow.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited options available at the site.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Yerevan, a taxi is a direct way to reach Amberd Fortress. The journey typically takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, covering approximately 51 km. Expect to pay around 5700-8600 AMD ($12-$18) for the trip.

  • Public Transport

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

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Discover more about Amberd fortress

Rising dramatically on the southern slope of Mount Aragats, at an elevation of 2,300 meters, Amberd Fortress offers a captivating glimpse into Armenia's rich medieval past. The fortress, whose name translates to "fortress in the clouds," occupies a strategic location at the confluence of the Amberd and Arkashen rivers, surrounded by deep gorges on three sides. Construction of Amberd began in the 7th century by the Kamsarakan princes and continued into the 10th century, when it came under the control of the Pahlavuni family. During this period, Amberd served as a summer residence for Armenian princes and was further fortified, including the construction of the Church of Astvatsatsin (Holy Virgin) in 1026. The fortress complex includes defensive walls, a three-story castle, a bathhouse with a sophisticated heating system, and secret passages leading to the gorge. Throughout its history, Amberd faced numerous invasions, including those by the Seljuks in the 11th century and the Mongols in the 13th century. It was briefly captured and used as a military base by the Seljuks before being liberated by Armenian forces. Despite being reconstructed in the late 13th century, the fortress eventually lost its strategic importance and was abandoned by the end of the 14th century. Today, excavations and renovations continue at the site, revealing more about its past. Visitors can explore the well-preserved Church of Astvatsatsin, admire the intricate carvings, and wander through the castle ruins. The site offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Mount Ararat on a clear day.

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