Amberd Fortress

Amberd, the largest standing fortress in Armenia, is located on the southern slopes of Mount Aragats (the highest peak in Armenia), situated 52km away from the capital city Yerevan, in the Aragatsotn province. The name translates as “the fortress in the clouds”. The fortress and some sections of the walls were constructed in the 7th century by the noble family of Kamsarakan. In the 10th century, it was rebuilt by Vahram Pahlavuni prince, and there is a church built in the 11th century.  During the following period, the fortress became the military defense center of the Pahlavuni and Bagratuni kingdoms, as well as the summer residence of the rulers. Archaeological research in the fortress of Amberd discovered some mysteries from its past. During the excavations, numerous underground walkways leading to rivers were found. It is now known that there used to be a water-supply system. But the most interesting finding in Amberd was Armenian «lavash» national flatbread, dating back to the 12th century.