Lori fortress
In the western settlement of Lori-Berd, near Stepanavan, Armenia, lie the ruins of Lori Fortress, one of the capitals of feudal Armenia, set against breathtaking mountain landscapes. The fortress was founded by David Anhoghin, from the Kyurikid branch of Ani’s Bagratid dynasty, between 989 and 1048, when he moved the capital of the Tashir-Dzoragetian Kingdom here from Samshvilde. Archaeological investigations reveal that the town was carefully planned, modeled after Ani, the Bagratid capital, with its fortress, upper town, and suburbs thoughtfully arranged. The settlement stretches across a triangular mountain plateau, naturally protected by deep ravines of the Miskhan and Dzoraget rivers. The fortress and upper town occupied the most inaccessible section, while the suburbs extended across the plateaus of Amrakits and Kendagegh, separated by these natural defenses.
Lori Fortress stands today as a testament to medieval Armenian architecture and strategic military planning, offering visitors both history and spectacular scenery.
