Erebuni Fortress

| Tourism objects | 4 seen

Erebuni Fortress is an ancient site situated in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan.

I had heard of this place before, but hadn't visited it in my two previous trips to Yerevan. This time I decided to change that. Actually this was my birthday I visited this place. My overall impressions? Well... Let the photos speak for themself:

Erebuni Fortress

Road to Erebuni Fortress

We took a taxi from Yerevan Mall, and taxi driver took from us 1000 Dram, although the fare-meter showed 800 Drams. I didn't argued much with taxi driver, because of 1000 Drams equals to EUR 1.83

Erebuni Fortress

Some demolished building at Erebuni Fortress entrance

Since we took our way to Erebuni fortress from the other side  - not typical front - we had an opportunity to see the Real Erebuni Fortress, and in fact, the reality it looks as abandoned place.

Erebuni Fortress

Master plan of Erebuni Citadel - sign in 3 languages, Armenian, Russian and English

Erebuni Fortress

View to some of Yerevan neighbourhoods from Erebuni Fortress

Erebuni Fortress

Erebuni Fortress ruins and view to some neighbourhood of Yerevan

Erebuni Fortress

Some tourists at Erebuni Fortress

Erebuni Fortress

View to Yerevan TV tower from Erebuni Fortress

Erebuni Fortress

According to this sign - the ruins are not safe

Erebuni Fortress

View to Yerevan city from Erebuni Fortress

Erebuni Fortress

Me on the walls of Erebuni Fortress with Yerevan city in background.

Take a look at my slippers out-soles - there are really sharp thistles on its.

Erebuni Fortress

Thistles at Erebuni Fortress

Erebuni Fortress

A closer look to out sole of my slipper

Erebuni Fortress

Leaky thatch roof

Erebuni Fortress

Mountainous views from Erebuni Fortress

Erebuni Fortress

Fortification walls at Erebuni Fortress

Erebuni Fortress

Some creative table and benches for tired ones

Erebuni Fortress

I couldn't resist to take a rest here

Erebuni Fortress

Overgrown walkway

Erebuni Fortress

Another great view to Yerevan city from Erebuni Fortress

Erebuni Fortress

Stairways up/down from Erebuni fortress

Erebuni Fortress

Flag or Armenia

Erebuni Fortress

Rose-hip bush near Erebuni Fortress

Erebuni Fortress

Entrance/Exit gates at Erebuni Fortress.

Since we started our discoveries from top of the Erebuni Fortress our travels ended here at these gates, but seems that it's an option to climb up from here - what I do not recommend, instead take a taxi, drive up in the hill and climb down.

Erebuni Fortress

In front of entrance/exit at Erebuni Fortress - view to the city

Erebuni Fortress

Stairways to Erebuni Fortress

Erebuni Fortress

Sculpture at the front of entrance/exit of Erebuni Fortress

About Erebuni Fortress

Erebuni Fortress, also known as Arin Berd (meaning the "Fortress of Blood") is a fortified city from the ancient kingdom of Urartu, located in what is present-day Yerevan, Armenia. It was one of several fortresses built along the northern Urartian border and was one of the most important political, economic and cultural centers of the vast kingdom. The name Yerevan itself is derived from Erebuni.

Architecture

The site of Erebuni Fortress was located atop the 65 m tall hill of Arin Berd as a strategic position overlooking the Ararat plain and the main roads leading to the citadel. It also overlooked cramped Urartian town made up of residences below at the foot of the hill. The main entrance to the fortress was located at the more gently sloped southeastern site of the hill. It led to the central yard of the citadel. Ceremonies held by the personal guards of Argishti I and guards of the fortress garrison were held here. In the southwest portion of the yard was a temple of the god Khaldi. The temple had a large oblong plan with a staircase that led to the roof of a ziggurat type tower and a side room on the lower floor. Surrounding the hall was a double-rowed twelve-column open portico with benches along the walls. An altar for sacrifices was located at the left wall. The walls were decorated with colorful frescoes depicting representations of human figures, gods, geometric and floral designs. One of the frescoes uncovered depicts the god Khaldi standing on a lion with a warder in his left hand and a horned crown upon his head. It is typical of other representations of Khaldi found at other sites. The floor of the temple contrasted greatly from the rest of the complex in that it had wood floors composed of small planks, compared to the clay-coated adobe floors that were faced with stone slabs found in the rest of the citadel's rooms.

Location
40.1406957, 44.5358169