Galarsan-Gorarsan, Medieval fortress near Shaki, Azerbaijan
Galarsan-Gorarsan is a medieval fortress built from river stone that sits on Mount Garatepe overlooking the Kish River. The ruins show the walls and structures that made up this defensive stronghold in the mountains near Shaki.
This defensive structure was built in the 8th century to guard the mountain pass and surrounding lands. In 1744, it became the site of a major siege where local leaders made a stand against invading forces.
The name Galarsan-Gorarsan comes from Azerbaijani words meaning 'will come, will see', words spoken here as a show of defiance during a historical siege. The fortress remains a symbol of resistance in the memory of locals who know its story.
To reach the ruins, you need to walk uphill from the base of the mountain, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for a climbing hike. The path can be steep in places, and there are no facilities at the site itself.
The walls are built from a local river stone that was commonly used in medieval construction throughout this region. This building method reveals how builders adapted to the materials found in their mountain landscape.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
