Lori fortress

Region

Lori

Distance from Yerevan

142.8 km

Type

Fortress/Castle

The Lori fortress-city, which served as a powerful defensive, administrative, and civilizational center in the Middle Ages, is located at the intersection of the Dzoraget and Urut gorges. Since 1966, archaeological excavations have been conducted in Lori by the expedition team of Yerevan State University, thanks to which important archaeological structures have been uncovered, attesting to the city's high standard of living and technical advancement. Two bathhouses, dating back to the 11th–13th centuries, have been uncovered, both featuring advanced infrastructure. The bathing halls and changing rooms were built with double floors—fitted with flue channels underneath—to provide underfloor and wall heating. The interiors were covered with multicolored glazed brick tiles. In addition to the baths, a two-story palace structure was also excavated, of which only the first floor has been preserved, along with two luxurious pools with fountains. Local basalt was the primary construction material used in Lori. Drinking water was supplied to the city from springs located 5 km away via clay pipes, while irrigation water came through open canals. Excavations also revealed a chapel-mausoleum attributed to the wife of David Anhoghin, with a dome once rising from the point where arches intersected atop four pairs of wall columns. Clay vessels embedded in the mortar helped lighten the dome's weight, demonstrating profound architectural knowledge. Various finds uncovered during the excavations include tools, weapons, jewelry, ceramic vessels, pipes, glass jugs, as well as porcelain, faience, bone, and stone items, and coins. These findings indicate that numerous branches of craftsmanship flourished in Lori. At the same time, imported items from Georgia, Persia, Central Asia, and Mesopotamia were also discovered, testifying to Lori’s vibrant trade and cultural connections.