Baghaberd Fortress

Baghaberd:
A Force of Nature Emerging From the Rocks of Syunik

Climbing to this mighty fortress is like an introspective journey. Every step that brings you closer to the top of that impressive hill also allows you to delve further into the depths of your inner self. And as you reach the peak, you’ll get immersed by peaceful stillness, hearing only the echoes of Baghaberd’s walls taking you back to centuries ago.

One of the oldest strongholds Armenia has known, Baghaberd acted as one of its major protection points from the 4th to the 12th century. Its impenetrable structure and significant defense formation gave an insight into numerous aspects of medieval fortress construction.

And despite its majestic triumphs, this castle also witnessed great tragedies which eventually led to a demolition of a part of it in 1170. However, some of its towers and parts of its walls still stand at 1335 meters, overlooking the scenic deep gorges of Syunik, as a proud testament to its glorious history.

Resting atop a rugged hill at an impressive altitude, the fortress benefits from natural barriers of steep cliffs and deep gorges. Ascending to Baghaberd is an unforgettable journey in its own right, as the castle can only be reached by climbing its slopes on foot.
The view from the top is majestic given that the structure is positioned in close proximity to the point where the two rivers, Voghji and Geghi, meet.
Baghaberd was named after and established by Baghak, the Patriarch of Kapan during the Early Middle Ages in the 4th century.
The structure is situated on a triangular promontory with three levels of defense: one along the base of the cliff, another about 150 meters above it, and a third atop the promontory.
The fortress was regarded as one of Armenia’s most significant defense points. And its importance only increased with time, reaching its peak in the 10th to 12th centuries. It became the capital of the Syunik kingdom in 1103 after the city of Kapan got destroyed and the princes of Syunik sought refuge within its walls, safeguarding their treasures and invaluable manuscripts within its confines.

In 1170, the stronghold fell into the hands of the Gandzak Seljuks, who mercilessly massacred the local population. They destroyed over 10,000 precious manuscripts belonging to the Tatev monastery. Over 10,000 precious manuscripts were destroyed, and invaluable treasures were looted. Following this tragic event, the fortress was left deserted.

Today, two semi-destroyed towers and parts of the walls are what remain from Baghaberd. In the past, the edifice was encircled by thick double walls and circular towers, but parts of the wall were dismantled by the surrounding population for construction materials. The fortress also suffered damage during the Soviet era when a new road was built.
One of the most fascinating finds during the exploratory excavations were fragments of pottery and a stone piece bearing the inscription ‘’REMEMBER’’.

The powerful status of the stronghold has inspired many tales. One of them ties the fortress’s name to Andok Syuni, a prominent statesman of the 4th century and father-in-law of King Arshak II. Seizing the opportunity of Persian king Shapuh’s war against the Huns, Andok leads his army to Persia. Under the cover of darkness, the guards at the main gates are slain, granting entry to the renowned Sisakan regiment. Tizbon falls into Armenian hands. Andovk orders the destruction of Shapuh’s Palace, the noble quarter, prince’s houses, and the citadel. The royal treasury is looted, and accompanied by the Sisakan regiment, a large caravan heads towards Hayk. Tizbon lies ravaged and humiliated, a disgrace for Shapuh. Andok achieves what the Roman legions could not, alongside a brave group of men. Shapuh proceeds to march into Armenia, besieging Baghaberd but failing to conquer the impregnable fortress. In the night, Prince Andok flees the besieged fortress and seeks refuge with Emperor Theodore.

FACTS

❈ Baghaberd, established in the 4th century, held a prominent position as one of Medieval Armenia’s oldest and most significant defensive strongholds. Its importance reached its pinnacle during the period spanning the 10th to 12th centuries.

❈ The fortress is strategically built atop an impressive hill in the Syunik region. It is located in close proximity to the point where two rivers, Voghji and Geghi, converge.

❈ After enduring numerous tragedies over time, the castle was destroyed in 1170 when it was captured by the Seljuks. Thousands of its inhabitants were massacred, and around 10,000 precious manuscripts were burned.

❈ The structure is situated on a triangular promontory with three levels of defense: one along the base of the cliff, another approximately 150 meters above it, and a third at the top of the promontory.

❈ Amongst the most significant finds during the exploratory excavations were fragments of pottery and a stone piece bearing the inscription ‘’REMEMBER’’.