Girl’s fortress is one of the most remarkable castles in Armenia. The fortress and the whole province was called Kayen in the Middle Ages. It is located in Tavush province, in the valley of Aghstev river, on the top of the forested mountain. The fortress of Kayen was the seat of the governor of the province as an impeccable building. The walls of the fortress are fortified and protected with the rocky high cliffs of the mountains from all sides. Destroyed habitation, reservoirs, the church and bath are preserved in the fortress.
The well-established transport infrastructure of Armenia allows to get to Girl's Fortress by a private car or with the help of various travel companies which offer regular excursions and tours to different sights of the country. Due to the geographical location of Girl's Fortress the trip will not seem long.
The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for Girl's Fortress depends on the weather conditions.
There is a legend that Tamerlane, having learned that a beautiful girl lived here, ordered his soldiers to bring her to him. Three soldiers on behalf of the conqueror kidnapped the girl. A shepherd, seeing what is happening, followed them. When the soldiers fall asleep at night, the shepherd killed them and returned the girl. Tamerlane was furious and attacked Armenia. By the denunciation of one widow, he learnt about a flow of water, which supplied the fortress, blocked it and only then won. In confusion, the girl flung herself into the river. After this, the fortress was named Akhchka Berd, literally the Girl’s Fortress.
THE FORTRESS OF TAVUSH / TSLIK AMRAM’S FORTRESS
20 km
Private: NEW VARAGAVANK
43 km
GOSHAVANK MONASTERY
114 km
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