Smbataberd Fortress

Defense complex Smbataberd is located east of Artabyunk village. According to historical information, a bloody battle between Armenians and Persians took place near this fortress in the 5th century.
The castle has high and wide pyramidal walls. Smbataberd is located between 2 deep valleys, Artabun and Yeghegis, with which it seems to be protected from the surroundings. The castle has 3 entrances. The main entrance, the northern and the eastern, are built with vaulted halls of hewn basalt, the roofs have guardhouses and observatories. The wall divides the castle into 2 parts: northern and southern. Here, the ruins of the citadel, residential buildings and reservoirs have been preserved. The water in the castle was brought by the krimomo from the springs near the monastery.
According to tradition, it is said that this fortress was built by Prince Smbat of Syunyats, that is why the local residents called it Smbat fortress.