Lekh Castle, Medieval fortress in Qanlıkənd, Azerbaijan

Lekh Castle is a medieval fortress in Qanlıkənd that rises high above the Lev River with strong fortified walls. The structure uses natural rock formations as part of its defense and contains multiple chambers that served for storage and living quarters.

Handaberd was built in the second quarter of the 9th century by Prince Atrnerseh I of the Armenian Principality of Khachen, a member of a branch of the Siunia dynasty, and served as his residence and as a prison for those sentenced to death. From 1142 to 1182 it belonged to Hasan I Vakhtangyan, prince of Upper Khachen, as recorded on a khachkar kept at Dadivank monastery. A legend holds that it was later repaired with funds sent by Levon I, king of Cilician Armenia, and called Levonaberd in his honour.

The fortress's names record its history: the Armenian Handaberd, the Azerbaijani Lex qalası (from the Levçay River), and Levonaberd, after a legend that Levon I of Cilician Armenia paid for repairs. The 10th-century historian Movses Kaghankatvatsi first wrote it as "Handu berd".

The only approach is a trail running along the north side beneath the south-western wall; the other flanks are steep rock and forest. The path is rough and the site has no facilities, so sturdy footwear is needed. The ruins of the Andaberd monastery lie about 800 m to the east.

The structure was built using rock formations on three sides as natural walls, saving construction materials. This clever approach allowed builders to work with the limited resources available in the mountain region.