Homepage Sights of Armenia Handaberd Fortress

Handaberd Fortress

Region

Artsakh

Distance from Yerevan

339.7 km

Type

Fortress/Castle

Handaberd, proudly perched atop a cliff, is located 1 kilometer east of the village of Knaravan in Artsakh, above the Lev River, at an elevation of 1,665 meters above sea level. Its cliffside position makes it impregnable, and its history is both rich and profound. In the 9th century, Prince Atrnerseh, of the Arranshahik dynasty, reconstructed an already existing fortress on this site. Centuries later, it came under the control of the Khachenian and later the Dopyan princes. Its significance is noted by both Movses Kaghankatvatsi and Kirakos Gandzaketsi. The fortress is built to conform to the mountainside, taking the shape of an irregular rectangle. Its walls, reinforced by semi-circular towers, reach heights of up to 8 meters. Two main phases of construction are visible: rough-cut Bagratid-era foundations, and 13th-century plastered upper walls.

Interesting

facts about Handaberd Fortress

Facts

Inside the fortress, wells and ruins of structures have been preserved, along with a “false gate” on the southern side, used as a defensive tactic. The only entrance is a narrow, winding path that weaves through jagged rocks, leading to the northern gate.

The earliest written reference to Handaberd dates back to the year 854.

Weather in Artsakh

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 Handaberd Fortress depends on the weather conditions.