Tigranakert of Artsakh

Tigranakert of Artsakh is an archaeological site covering a large area with ancient fortress walls, residential structures, and defensive installations spread across the landscape. The site includes an on-site museum near Shahbulag Castle that displays artifacts and findings from excavations.

The settlement was founded in the 1st century BC by King Tigranes as a strategic military and commercial center to monitor key trade routes through the region. Evidence shows the site remained occupied and evolved over subsequent centuries.

Armenian and Greek inscriptions carved into stone, along with early Christian burial sites, reveal how different religious and cultural traditions coexisted in this settlement. The mixed heritage is visible in the artifacts displayed, showing the cosmopolitan nature of ancient life here.

Wear sturdy footwear as the site covers uneven terrain with scattered ruins and exposed excavations across a large area. The museum provides helpful context for understanding the structures you see and the periods they represent.

Excavations revealed towers built in Hellenistic style and colorful pottery that demonstrate how far-reaching the trade networks of this ancient city extended. Coins from Parthian rulers were discovered, showing direct commercial contact with distant kingdoms.