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.
The well-established transport infrastructure of Armenia allows to get to Smbataberd 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 Smbataberd 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 Smbataberd fortress depends on the weather conditions.
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.
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.
Private: ST. ZORAVOR CHURCH
13 km
GLADZOR UNIVERSITY HISTORIC-CULTURAL PRESERVE-MUSEUM
27 km
ARENI WINERY
34 km
)
