Shushi Fortress is an Armenian medieval fortress-settlement in Shushi, the Republic of Artsakh. Late medieval sources mention the fort by various names: Karagylukh, Karaglkhi Fortress, Kar, Karaglkhi Skhnakh. It is often the named Fortress of Shosh, Skhnakh of Shosh, as the inhabitants of neighboring Shosh often sheltered here during the invasion. The fortification had four main entrances: Mkhitarashen, Amaras, Jraberd (later Gandzak, then Elizavetpol) and Yerevan. The fortress also had auxiliary entrances, but only locals knew about them.
The well-established transport infrastructure of Armenia allows to get to Shushi 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 Shushi 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 Shushi Fortress depends on the weather conditions.
There is an opinion that the commander of the Armenian troops Avan laid the fundament and gates of Shushi fortress in 1724. However, there is another version, according to which the fortress was built earlier, and in the 1720s, Avan rebuilt and strengthened the structure. The impregnable fortress was built of limestone; it has semicircular towers with a height of 7-8 meters and two-row embrasures.
The fortified city, which suffered mass killings and attacks, was finally liberated during the Armenian-Azerbaijani war. Despite the fierce resistance of the enemy, the Armenian wariors managed to liberate the ancient Armenian fortress.
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