Amberd

Amberd once was a fortress-town of 10th century. It was built in historical Aragatsotn province, 7km north from Byurakan village (on the southern slope of the mountain Aragats), 2300 meteres above the sea level. Amberd has the most important expressions of medieval Armenian fortress-building .The castle and some parts of its walls were built in 7th century, during the reign of Kamsarakans. It belonged to Pahlavuni trouts and was an important military position for the kingdom of Bagratunis. After the fall of Bagratuni kingdom Amberd was occupied by Seljuk Turkmens. In 1196 Amberd was liberated by the efforts of Zakare and Ivane Zakarians and converted under the authority of Zakarians. The church of Amberd was built by Vahram Pahlavuni in 1026.