Kayan Berd, Medieval fortress ruins in Haghpat, Armenia
Kayan Berd is a fortress ruin perched on a ridge between two canyons above the Debed River in Haghpat. The site contains several semi-circular defensive towers and a stone church built from black volcanic rock that still stands on the grounds.
This fortress was founded in the 10th century by King Ashot II Yerkat as a defensive structure. In the 13th century, Archbishop Hovhannes transformed the site into a monastic complex, changing its primary purpose.
The Church of Surb Astvatzatzin inside shows traditional Armenian religious building methods with its distinctive black stone construction. You can see how this place held spiritual importance for people living in the region.
You can reach the site by hiking a trail that starts from the main road to Haghpat village, taking about one hour to walk there. Wear sturdy shoes as the path is uneven, and bring enough time to explore the ruins carefully.
The fortress contains preserved water systems with ancient cisterns and clay pipes that show how residents collected and stored water long ago. These engineering features reveal the advanced technical skills of the medieval builders.
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