Halidzor Fortress

Region

Syunik

Distance from Yerevan

310.3 km

Type

Fortress/Castle

Initially constructed as a monastic complex, Halidzor Fortress was repurposed in the 17th century under the leadership of Davit Bek as a fortified stronghold. Owing to its strategic and inaccessible location, it became the main base for his liberation movement and the center of Armenian authority in Syunik. The fortress is surrounded by irregular quadrilateral walls adapted to the terrain. Each wall measures approximately 50 meters in length and 1 meter in thickness. A distinctive circular tower stands at the southwestern corner. The fortress had entrances from the south and north. The complex includes a church with a vaulted hall design, featuring sacristies on either side of the altar. Adjacent to the church on the north and south sides are two-story vaulted buildings, the lower levels of which likely served as vestibules or narthex structures. During the fortress’s reconstruction for military purposes, the upper floors of the church and adjacent buildings were leveled to form a flat rooftop, enabling defenders to effectively resist and bombard approaching enemies.