Homepage Sights of Armenia The Metsamor ancient fortress-settlement

The Metsamor ancient fortress-settlement

Region

Armavir

Distance from Yerevan

47.4 km

Type

Museum

The Metsamor ancient fortress-settlement is a monument of global cultural significance, located approximately 35 km southwest of Yerevan, near the village of Taronik. The Metsamor Historical and Archaeological Museum-Reserve was established in 1968 and houses over 27,000 artifacts excavated from the site. The first floor of the museum exhibits materials uncovered from the fortress and the surrounding cemetery field, spanning from the Early Bronze Age to the Late Middle Ages. The second floor focuses on the ancient crafts and rituals of Metsamor. In the basement, a special treasury showcases unique cultural treasures from the period of the Kingdom of Van (Urartu)—including items crafted from gold, silver, amber, semi-precious stones, and paste. Among the most remarkable discoveries are an agate frog-shaped weight belonging to the Babylonian king Ulam Burariash (16th century BC), a sardonyx seal bearing an Egyptian hieroglyphic inscription linked to Babylonian king Kurigalzu (15th century BC). These finds testify that Metsamor was an important crossroads of ancient trade routes, connecting Mesopotamia with the North Caucasus via the Ararat Plain. In the 8th century BC, Metsamor became part of the Kingdom of Van (Urartu).

Interesting

facts about The Metsamor ancient fortress-settlement

Facts

During the Early Iron Age (11th–9th centuries BC), Metsamor functioned as a city. The fortress contained palatial buildings, a temple complex with seven sanctuaries, and industrial workshops. In the cemetery field, archaeologists uncovered large red tuff-built tombs that belonged to tribal leaders. These graves included numerous sacrificed horses, large and small livestock, dogs, and even servants and slaves, buried as part of ritual practices.

Excavated materials indicate that during the Bronze Age (4th–2nd millennia BC), Metsamor was a thriving cultural center. Researchers have confirmed that it was a large settlement with a cyclopean-walled citadel, and likely included an observatory, revealing its role in early scientific and astronomical studies.

Weather in Armavir

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 “Metsamor” Historical-Archaeological museum-reserve depends on the weather conditions.

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