Baghaberd Fortress

Region

Syunik

Distance from Yerevan

314.1 km

Type

Fortress/Castle

Baghaberd, also known as the Fortress of Kapan, is located west of the town of Kapan, along the road to Kajaran, on the left bank of the Voghji River. It is one of the largest defensive structures in Armenia and has been known as an impregnable fortress since the 4th–5th centuries. Its significance especially grew during the 10th–12th centuries, when it served as the capital of the Kingdom of Syunik, also known as the Bagratid Kingdom. In 1103, after the city of Kapan was destroyed, Baghaberd became the kingdom’s capital. It was considered a well-protected refuge where Syunik princes stored their treasures and manuscripts during times of danger. In 1170, the Seljuks of Ganja captured the fortress, massacred the population, burned over 10,000 manuscripts belonging to Tatev Monastery, and plundered its treasures. Following this devastating event, Baghaberd was never restored. Today, only the ruins of the fortress remain, located at the confluence of the Voghji River and its left tributary, the Giratagh. The ruins show that the fortress once had double defensive walls with towers. It was built on a promontory and featured a three-tiered defense system: the first level ran along the base of the cliff, the second about 150 meters higher, and the third at the summit. The fortress had underground passages, rock-cut shelters, and water channels, traces of which are still visible today. Portions of the walls, measuring 6–8 meters in height, have also survived.