Amberd

The fortified complex of Amberd stands on the slopes of Mount Arakatz, 7 kilometres from Byourakan, on a long rocky promontory between two steep valleys. The fortress, which dates from the 7th century, with later enlargements in the 11th and 13th, defended the plain against incursions from the north, as is also shown by the presence of a sturdy keep with massive basalt towers. It was one of the major fortified settlements of the Bagratuni and then of the Zakarian. Within the enclosure are the remains of various buildings, including an interesting bath building with two domes on the same axis, a cistern and a small basilica. The church that still stands dates from the early 11th century: it is of the domed-hall type, flanked by four small apsed chapels, a solution usually adopted in monastic buildings. The dome is concealed on the outside by an umbrella roof, and the drum is articulated by paired half-columns.