Smbataberd Fortress

Smbataberd is a medieval mountaintop fortress in Armenia's Vayots Dzor Province, southeast of the village of Artabuynk. It can be approached only from the north along a steep, winding path cut into the slope. The exact construction date is unknown, but the fortress already existed at the time of the 5th-century Battle of Avarayr. It passed between the Syuni princes, the Bagratids, and the Orbelians before being destroyed in 1605 by the forces of the Persian Shah Abbas. Its name is associated either with Prince Smbat of Syunik or with an Orbelian knight who rebuilt it. Wedge-cut basalt walls two to three meters thick and eight to ten meters high divide the fortress into northern and southern sections containing citadels, dwellings, and reservoirs. The main entrance is on the north, with additional eastern and western gates decorated by porticoes. Smbataberd is now partly ruined, but its basalt walls, semicircular bastions, and remains of watchtowers survive. Extensive restoration was carried out in 2006–2007.

A legend of Smbataberd's invincibility says that in the 10th century Prince Smbat of Syunik strengthened the fortress and stationed troops around it to repel enemies. Thanks to the prince's wisdom and the powerful walls, the stronghold remained unconquered, terrifying attackers and reinforcing its reputation as an impregnable bastion.