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Sights of Armenia Vayots Dzor
Smbataberd Fortress
- RegionVayots Dzor
- Distance from Yerevan143 km
- TypeFortress/Castle
Vayots Dzor
About this place
Vayots Dzor province is rich in historical monuments. One of them is Smbataberd fortress (translated from Armenian as “Smbat’s Fortress”). Like all other fortresses on the territory of Armenia, Smbataberd, from a defensive point of view, is built very competently: there are deep gorges from the three sides of the fortress, and from the entrance side the fortress is protected by powerful stone walls. The fortress was restored in 2006-2007 and was presented to tourists in all its original glory.
Interesting
facts about Smbataberd Fortress
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The original name of the fortress is unknown. According to one of the versions people call it Smbataberd in honor of Smbat Orbelyan, attributing the reconstruction of the fortress to the prince, whose grave is in the nearby village Yeghegis. However, the most likely is that the fortress is named in honor of the Prince of Syunik Smbat, who ruled in the 10th century.
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Smbataberd was one of the oldest and largest fortresses of Vayots Dzor and Syunik. Perhaps it existed even before the V century. Smbatabеrd served as a military fortification point of the Vasakyan dynasty and was subsequently fortified during the reign of the Orbelyans.
Weather in Vayots Dzor
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 Smbataberd fortress depends on the weather conditions.
Smbataberd Fortress
FAQ
Where is Smbataberd Fortress?
Smbataberd stands in Vayots Dzor province, on a mountaintop southeast of the village of Artabuynk (formerly Yeghegis). Deep gorges protect it on three sides, and the entrance side is guarded by strong stone walls.
How old is Smbataberd Fortress?
Smbataberd was one of the oldest and largest fortresses of Vayots Dzor and Syunik and may have existed even before the 5th century. It served as a military stronghold of the Vasakyan dynasty and was later further fortified under the Orbelyans.
What can you see at Smbataberd today?
The fortress was restored in 2006–2007. Its natural cliffs are reinforced with high, wide towered walls, and inside are the ruins of barracks and water reservoirs. It had three entrances, on the northeast, northwest and north, built of finely cut basalt, and its water was brought from the area near Tsakhats Kar.
Vayots Dzor
Plan your visit
Address
Smbataberd, Artabuynk, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia
Vayots Dzor
Sights near Smbataberd Fortress
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