LORI FORTRESS

David Anhoghin built the fortress, probably in 1005-20. Lori, being located on the northern trade road, was a large trade and handicrafts center of medieval Armenia. In addition, trade roads to Ani, Dvin, Dmanis, Tpilis and other cities, were connected to Lori. In the XI-XIII centuries, the population of the city was about 10 thousand.

Fortress Lori occupies 35 hectares. It is located at an altitude of 1490 meters above sea level, between the river Dzoraget and its steam Urut. Their deep gorges "defend" the fortress from three sides. The noble family Kyurikyans, then Zakaryans and their descents built palaces, churches, baths, cemeteries, bridges, in the gorges that separate the outskirts of the city, and set khachkhars. In addition, an underground passage was built, which reached the river Urut. The underground passage ended with a construction similar to a tower. It was used to maintain contact with the outside world and, if necessary, to obtain drinking water.

А rectangular structure has been preserved in the area, its interior is divided into six parts, covered with domes. The stone inside the southern wall proves that this building was a Muslim mosque (XIV-XV centuries). The local basalt is used in the construction of Fortress Lori