Smbataberd
Սմբատաբերդ
A medieval fortress ruin on a ridge above the Yeghegis Gorge. Its walls follow the rise and fall of the terrain, with deep valleys on either side.
Smbataberd was founded around the 5th century and was captured by the Seljuks in the 10th century. Today, its thick walls, towers and water storage facilities remain along a narrow ridge, with the Yeghegis and Artabanin valleys on either side. You can hike up from the villages of Yeghegis or Artabanin in about an hour, or drive a 4WD partway. The views from the fortress are excellent, and on a clear day you can see distant mountains in the direction of Tsakhats Kar Monastery. Entry is free and there are no facilities, so bring sun protection and water. It is often combined with a hike to Tsakhats Kar Monastery.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Tsakhats Kar Monastery
- Jewish Cemetery of Yeghegis
- Zorats Church
- Spitakavor Monastery
- Tanahat Monastery
- Selim Caravanserai
- Mozrov Cave
- Areni-1 Cave & Areni Wine Village