Berdkunk Fortress, Bronze Age fortress in Gegharkunik Province, Armenia
Berdkunk Fortress sits atop a rocky hill with walls made of large stone blocks fitted together without mortar using cyclopean construction methods. The structure shows multiple building phases, with walls and defensive elements stacked across different levels of the hillside.
The fortress originates from the early Bronze Age and was later rebuilt during medieval times with a new stronghold. This layering reveals how the location held strategic value across different periods and rulers.
Locals preserve oral traditions calling the structure Ishkanats fortress, remembering its role as a noble residence through stories passed down over generations. This name reflects how the site remains connected to the community's collective memory and heritage.
The site is best visited from spring through autumn, as winter conditions in the Armenian highlands make access challenging. Wear appropriate footwear for rocky terrain and allow time to navigate the uneven surfaces carefully.
The fortress features circular watchtowers bonded with lime mortar and defensive trenches running across the site from west to east. These features reveal careful planning to control movement and access across the hillside.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
