Lori Berd Fortress, Medieval fortress in Lori Province, Armenia.
Lori Berd is a fortress built from black tuff stone, situated on a peninsula formed by the Dzoraget and Tashir rivers. The site contains defensive walls along with bathhouses, residential areas, and religious structures that reveal how elaborate and organized this settlement was designed.
The fortress was founded in 1065 and served as the capital of the Kingdom of Tashir-Dzoraget under David Anhoghin. In 1239 it fell to the Mongol commander Chagatai, a moment that transformed its role and fortune.
A central building within the fortress displays layers of religious transformation, having served first as a secular structure, then as a mosque, and finally as a church by the 18th century. The shifting use of this space reflects how different faiths shaped life in this region across different periods.
The fortress grounds are open for self-guided exploration, though ongoing restoration work may limit access to some areas at any given time. Visitors should plan to spend time examining the stone walls and structures spread across the peninsula to fully appreciate the site.
Archaeological findings suggest the fortress once supported thousands of residents and featured a sophisticated bathhouse system with heating mechanisms and clay pipes for water distribution. These details reveal an impressive level of comfort and urban planning for its medieval period.
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