Smbataberd Fortress & Tsaghats Kar Monastery

Smbataberd is a fortress from the 5th century AD. It rests on top of a narrow hill, from which slopes lead down to the gorge containing the rivers Artabuyn and Yeghegis. It’s high altitude, steep slopes on its sides, and surrounding walls made this fortress difficult to enter. The fortress during battle was practically impenetrable thanks to its position. Today, the walls still stand. Much of the interior is gone, but there were once citadels and houses for peasants and noblemen. The fortress of Smbataberd is one of the most well-preserved fortresses in nowadays Armenia.

Smbataberd fortress

Origin of the name of Smbataberd

Its name’s origin is not known for sure. In the nearby village of Yeghegis lies the grave of Smbat Orbelian, a prince during the 13th century. It is also possible, though, that the name came from the 10th century King Smbat II, of the Bagratuni dynasty. It was during this time that the fortress was heavily fortified and used. Smbataberd belonged to the Bagratunis until around the 12th centuries.

Smbataberd fortress

Legend of Smbataberd

Smbataberd has gone through many battles and struggles in its history. It served its inhabitants very well, because for much of its life it was impenetrable. It was only taken over one time, by the Seljuk Turks, and only thanks to a cunning plan. Legend has it that the Seljuk Turks released thirsty horses outside near the fortress. They eventually found the water pipelines, and the enemy was able to cut off the water supply, forcing the people of Smbataberd to surrender.

Tsaghats Kar Monastery

The medieval monastery complex Tsaghats Kar, is located nearly 800 m to north-east from Smbataberd fortress and 6-7 km far from Artabuynk village. The complex consists of three parts – the church of St. Nshan, St. Karapet and St. Astvatsatsin. The bas-reliefs on the walls of the church of St. Karapet display emblems of princely families of Syunik (IX-XI centuries). Tsaghats Kar has been a medieval educational center where people learned painting. There is one version about the origin of the name of the monastery. That is the name comes from the Armenian word Tsaghats Kar ( meaning painted stone). The monastery was built in 10th century and was partially reconstructed in 2013.