Smbataberd

The fortress is located on a hilltop

The fortress is located on a hilltop

It is one of the most attractive fortresses of Armenia, located in Vayots – Dzor region. No one knows for sure what kind of historical events the name is associated with. A beautiful legend is connected with the famous commander Smbat. He was distinguished for inhuman strength and during the Byzantine captivity managed to gain his freedom by fighting in the gladiatorial arena with wild beasts. Other researchers associate the name of the attraction with the Armenian king Smbat I or Smbat Orbelian.

The fortress is located on the hilltop, from which opens a wonderful sight. Up to the present the entrances of the bastion are guarded by towers. In the Middle Ages, inaccessible forged gates were located between them. It is no coincidence that in ancient times the fortress was considered absolutely inaccessible to enemies: they managed to capture the stronghold only 1 time.