Ilkasar Castle

Name: Ilkasar Castle
Monument type: Fortress
Region: Ararat Province
Periods: Prehistoric

Name: Ilkasar Castle

Other nomination: Odzasar (Snake Mountain) Castle

Monument type: Castle

Region: Ararat

Community: Artashat

Residence: Narek

Location: On the top of Ilkasar mountain

Preservation: Sufficient

Coordinates: N. 39 59 02,2 E. 44 41 23,9

Altitude: 1465 m

Era and chronology: High Middle Ages: IX-XIII/XIV centuries

Ilkasar: The Enigmatic ‘’Snake Mountain’’ Castle

If you’re an adventurer seeker or a history enthusiast, or seeking a glimpse into Armenia’s rich heritage, then this historical gem, located on the glorious Ilkasar mountain, is a must-visit for you.

And as you stand there, looking out over the Ararat Valley, you can’t help but be captivated by the enduring legacy of this castle from the High Middle Ages. It’s a place where history comes to life, where the stories of the past whisper in the wind, inviting you to explore further and uncover the secrets hidden within its stony embrace.

Location and Historical Context

Situated 2.0 kilometers northeast of the village of Narek, Ilkasar Castle commands a breathtaking view of the Ararat Valley, providing visitors with a panoramic vista that sweeps across the horizon.

Ilkasar Castle is believed to have been constructed during the High Middle Ages, specifically between the IX and XIII centuries. Its architectural features and the surface pottery found on the site provide valuable insights into this historical period.

Architecture and Features

Circular in plan, the castle boasts a unique construction made from the rough-hewn local felsite stone, which adds to its rustic charm.

As you approach the castle, you’ll be greeted by its main entrance on the western facade, flanked by imposing semi-circular towers. This entrance is not just a portal but a gateway to another era. It beckons you to step inside and explore the secrets that lie within.

Inside the castle, you’ll discover the ruins of two rectangular cisterns, with the southern one consisting of two parts. These cisterns are a testament to the ingenuity of the builders who ensured a reliable water supply within the fortress.

At the highest point of the castle, you’ll encounter the palace, a multi-room structure centered around a charming inner courtyard. Here, you’ll find a small rectangular pool, which may have been a place of relaxation and reflection for the castle’s inhabitants.

Southern Entrance and Interior

The southern entrance of the castle is connected from the outside to a spacious hall-anteroom, which may have served as a gathering place for the castle’s residents.

Despite the ravages of time, the remnants of lime mortar and the imposing width of the walls (2–3 meters) stand as silent witnesses to the grandeur of Ilkasar Castle.

FACTS

❈ Ilkasar Castle offers a stunning panoramic view of the Ararat Valley, situated 2.0 kilometers northeast of Narek village.

❈ Constructed between the IX and XIII centuries, it provides insights into the High Middle Ages through its architecture and surface pottery.

❈ The castle features a circular design made of rustic local felsite stone, with an inviting main entrance on the western facade.

❈ Within the castle are well-preserved cisterns and a multi-room palace centered around an inner courtyard.

❈ The southern entrance leads to a spacious hall-anteroom, showcasing the grandeur of the castle’s construction with its wide walls and remnants of lime mortar.

🔍 Research history

G. M. Sargsyan carried out archaeological exploration works in the territory of the castle. It is a newly discovered monument. Z. Erkoyan published an overview of the castle in the daily newspaper Republic of Armenia.

🧱 Archaeological description

It is located on the top of Ilkasar, rising 2.0 km north-east from the village of Narek, on a leveled steppe: a straight, open panorama opens to the Ararat Valley from here. Circular in plan, the fort is constructed of rough-hewn local felsite stone. The main entrance opens from the western facade and is supported by semi-circular towers on either side of the entrance. In front of the eastern facade of the castle an open square with a considerable slope opens.

Inside, in front of the entrance, the ruins of two rectangular cisterns are notable, the southern one is of two parts. At the highest point of the castle is the palace, a multi-room palace organized around an inner courtyard. In the center of the inner courtyard of the castle is a small rectangular pool. The southern entrance of the castle is attached from the outside to a spacious hall-anteroom. The walls and all buildings of the castle are tumble down. Remains of lime mortar can be seen in a separate area. The width of the walls is 2-3 m, the preserved height is 3.0 m. Judging by the architectural features of the preserved structures and the surface pottery found on the site, the castle is a monument of the developed Middle Ages, IX-XIII centuries.