Armenia is famous for its ancient churches and monasteries, which attract thousands of visitors. However, beyond these sacred landmarks, the country is also home to remarkable medieval fortresses. Some of them are well-preserved, while others stand as ruins. Among them, Amberd Castle is the most visited and admired fortress in Armenia.
Where is Amberd?
Located just over an hour’s drive from Yerevan, Amberd rises on the picturesque slopes of Mount Aragats. It’s not only a must-visit for its historical significance. The road to the fortress first winds through villages of the Aragotsotn province and then you find only mountain landscapes surrounding you.
It’s hard to imagine how people managed to build Amberd fortress on such challenging terrain. They cleverly used the mountains as a natural defense, but at the same time, the fortress’s remote location made construction incredibly difficult. Even today, it stands far from other settlements.
The fortress is so high in the mountains that it can hardly be visited in winter. It’s one of the places that is hardly accessible in winter due to the amount of snow. The local authorities even close the road to avoid accidents so before planning a trip make sure the road is already open.
History of Amberd
How did the Amberd Fortress manage to stand tall for centuries despite its turbulent history? Let’s dig into history to see how it could happen.
The name Amberd (Ամբերդ) means “cloud fortress” the name that perfectly suits its location. Perched high in the mountains, Amberd is often veiled by low-hanging clouds, adding to its mystique. It is believed that construction of the fortress began in the 7th century under the Kamsarakan noble family. By the 10th century, during the reign of the Bagratuni dynasty, the fortress was expanded. It was fortified as part of a broader effort to strengthen Armenia’s defenses. In 1026, it was handed over to the Pahlavuni family, one of the most powerful noble clans. During this period Amberd became a key defensive stronghold in the region.
However, history took a dark turn in 1045 when King Gagik II Bagratuni surrendered Ani, the capital of the Bagratuni Kingdom, to the Byzantine Empire. This marked the beginning of turbulent times, with Amberd falling into different hands. Soon after, the Seljuks captured the fortress and used it as a military base. Zakarian brothers from the noble Armenian clan reclaimed Amberd from the Seljuks and controlled it for some time but later it was invaded by Mongols in 1236.
Thus, during the Middle Ages it was restored and later destroyed again. During the Tamerlane’s destructive campaign, the region fell into chaos, and it passed through many hands. By the end of the 14th century, Amberd faded from historical records, remaining only as a ruined monument of Armenia’s medieval past.
Buildings of Amberd Complex
Amberd was designed so to represent a stronghold to blend with the surrounding mountains and be not easily reachable by invaders. There were massive tall stone walls that were 2-3 meters thick. There were two main gains and like many medieval fortresses it had secret underground tunnels leading to the gorges. They were used not only as escape routes but also for getting water during sieges.
Nowadays not much is left, there are only ruins. However, the findings suggest the main castle was a three-story structure, possibly even four stories in some sections. The strategic location was important. It ensured the full visibility of the region, and it somehow served as a watchtower, not only a residence.
Vahramashen Church
One of the most striking structures in Amberd is Vahramashen Church, built in 1026 by Vahram Pahlavuni. Built from local basalt, it features a cross-dome structure, with four side chapels in its corners. Unlike other medieval Armenian churches, it did not have much exterior decorations. One unique characteristic feature is ceramic hollow tubes inside the roof. Their goal is to lighten the burden of the load on the dome and enhance acoustics during services.
Baths
One of the most fascinating structures in Amberd is the medieval bathhouse. It reflects the Roman-inspired tradition of bathhouses, much like the famous baths of the pagan Garni Temple. Although built in the Middle Ages, the baths had an advanced heating system. Hot air from a furnace circulated beneath the floor, keeping the bathing area warm. The bathhouse complex included a changing room, a main bathing hall, and a boiler room. Some walls even had faint traces of frescoes.
The local water supply system is surprising for the Middle Ages. Access to fresh water was crucial so there were pipes running 4-5 kilometers from mountain springs to the fortress. Special stone dams collect melted snow and spring water and store it in reservoirs. In case of an emergency, a hidden tunnel led directly down to the river, ensuring the fortress had a reliable backup water source.
During the excavations, it was revealed that Amberd was not just a military stronghold. There were some things typical for a settlement. Metal tools, pottery, glassware, coins, and even decorative items found on the site showed that daily life in Amberd was well-organized. The remains of carpet fragments suggest that interior walls may have been lined with carpets.
Visiting Amberd Fortress
Amberd fortress is a historical-cultural reserve and is protected by the government agency responsible for the historical monuments. The tickets are available at the entrance.
The road to the fortress becomes accessible in spring. It’s better to visit the fortress during the daytime as the mountain roads can be tricky. On your way to Amberd, you can stop by Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, a great spot for science lovers. The fortress is also close to Mount Aragats, making it a perfect stop on a full-day adventure exploring the Aragatsotn region.