{"id":23009,"date":"2019-02-11T16:15:52","date_gmt":"2019-02-11T12:15:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.armgeo.am\/?p=23009"},"modified":"2025-06-25T11:57:44","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T07:57:44","slug":"smbataberd-fortress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.armgeo.am\/en\/smbataberd-fortress\/","title":{"rendered":"Smbataberd Fortress"},"content":{"rendered":"

Smbataberd is an impregnable fortress of the 5th century, surrounded on three sides by steep slopes, which go down into the gorge, where the rivers Artabuyn and Yeghegis flow.<\/p>\n

We will start our hike from Yeghegis village and along a beautiful trail we will climb to the fortress. This is a combination of an easy hike and breathtaking view of Vayots Dzor region.<\/p>\n

From the fortress you can enjoy a magnificent view of Mount Teksar.<\/p>\n

During its entire existence, Smbataberd Fortress was captured only once, and only because of a cunning plan: the horses were fed with salt and let out to pasture around the fortress. Thirsty animals began to look for water and found a pipeline, cutting off the water supply to the fortress. The defenders were thus forced to surrender.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Smbataberd

Smbataberd Fortress<\/p><\/div>\n

Then we will continue our hike to the medieval monastery complex Tsaghats Kar, not far from Smbataberd Fortress. The complex consists of three parts – the church of St. Nshan, St. Karapet and St. Astvatsatsin. The bas-reliefs on the walls of the St. Karapet church display emblems of princely families of Syunik (IX-XI centuries).<\/p>\n\n