Berdkunk Fortress, also known as Ishkhanats Amrots, is located in Gegharkunik Province, on the eastern shore of Lake Sevan, about a 1.5-hour drive from Yerevan. It sits at an altitude of around 1,930 meters above sea level, right on the edge of Berdkunk village.
The site itself is rich in history. Nearby are the remains of a Cyclopean fortress and megalithic tombs dating back to the 2nd–1st millennium BC, showing that this area was used as a settlement and defensive site in ancient times. Berdkunk was located along the historic route connecting Dvin to Partev, making it an important strategic point.
The current Berdkunk Fortress was built in the 10th century. Its massive stone walls still outline the original fortress layout, and the structure was used as a defensive stronghold to protect the region and passing trade routes. Inside the fortress, you can still see the remains of cisterns, building foundations, and stone tombs.
Close to the fortress, there are also 11th–12th century churches and a cemetery with gravestones dating from the 12th to the 20th centuries, making this whole area a unique blend of ancient and medieval Armenian history.
Comment (0)