Mayraberd fortress, built in the XVIII century, is located in Askeran village. It had important defensive value. The fortress is surrounded on all sides by gorges and high mountains due to which it was considered impregnable. The powerful walls of the fortress have thickness of 2 meters and height of 9 meters. The Armenian Mayrberd village was in this place in the Middle Ages. Askeran served as a place for the deployment of troops from the middle of the 18th century. In addition to the ancient fortress, the area is also famous for St. Mary church consecrated in 2002. Askeran fortress was restored at the same time.
The well-established transport infrastructure of Armenia allows to get to Mayraberd fortress by a private car or with the help of various travel companies which offer regular excursions and tours to different sights of the country. Due to the geographical location of Mayraberd fortress the trip will not seem long.
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 Mayraberd fortress depends on the weather conditions.
Askeran Fortress is located 14 km to the northeast from Stepanakert. Centuries ago, the castle and the nearby settlement were called Mayraberd. Double walls and a comfortable position created an overwhelming barrier for enemies. The towers were connected to each other with narrow corridors. Inside the walls there are many niches and firearms. The thickness of the walls reaches 2 m and the height is 9 m.
The walls were many times a reliable and powerful shield during the defense of Shushi. Askeran fortress was built in the 50es of the XVIII century. The architecture of the fortress, construction art has many similarities with the fortress complex of Bovurkhan (XVII century), fortress Avetaranots (XVIII century), as well as Shushi fortress, built in a unique Armenian style.
The lower valley of the Karkar River, geographically, is the gateway between Mugan field and Artsakh. These gates are the very place from where the Turks penetrated into Artsakh. This place represents a short, accessible way for the siege of Shushi. To protect the heart of Artsakh, in the XVIII century, these gates were turned into an inaccessible stronghold with a unique plan. Since ancient times, the fortress, together with Armenian settlements, was named Mayraberd.
STEPANAKERT CITY
23.8 km
TIGRANAKERT CITY
28.6 km
GANDZASAR MONASTERY
42.8 km
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