Built in the 11th century, the fortress of Lori, Loriberd, was one of the most powerful Armenian cities. The city of Tashir, the capital of Dzoraget Kingdom (current Lori), was surrounded by a strong defensive wall, behind which there was a city – prospering and developing for more than two centuries. By medieval standards, it was a real metropolis: at different times, there lived about ten thousand people.
In 1238, the fortress was captured and completely destroyed by Tatar-Mongols. Nevertheless, it remained inhibited for several centuries.
In Soviet times, massive excavations were conducted in the fortress. A number of bathhouses, tombs and houses were unearthed. The frescoes preserved in one of the excavated buildings, unlike the majority of the artwork of that period, depict social themes. Besides, the archeologists found various everyday objects, jewelry, tools and weapons, many of which are currently displayed in the History Museum of Armenia.
For PWD
Straight paths make the territory of the fortress accessible for independent visits.
