Armenia: Amberd Fortress
High on the slopes of Mount Aragats at an elevation of over 2300m or 7500ft lies the Amberd Fortress. The name actually translates to “fortress in the clouds” in Armenian. The spectacular semi-ruined fortress dates back to the 7th century and served as a strategic defensive stronghold for the Armenian Kingdom and was later expanded in the 11th century. The fortress saw battles during the Seljuk and Mongol invasions. The black basalt fortress stand on a hill with a backdrop of snowy Mount Ararat and includes defensive walls, a keep, and various other structures. A stone throw away from the fortress is the Church of Vahramashen, built in 1026 by Prince Vahram Pahlavuni. It is a fine example of Armenian medieval ecclesiastical architecture with a cruciform plan and a central dome.
