Fortress sights in Vayots Dzor & Syunik

1. Surp Grigor

   • Tatev, Armenia
   • Sights › Fortress

   The 11th-century Surp Grigor church nestles next to Surp Poghos-Petros, and there's a masterfully miniaturised chapel above the gatehouse. The fortifications, added in the 17th century, have been restored and are full of dining halls, towers and libraries. At the monastery's peak some 600 monks lived and worked at Tatev, and national icon St Grigor Tatevatsi (St Gregory of Tatev, 1346-1409) is buried here.

   In the monastery'scourtyard, look for the 8m octagonal pillar topped by a khatchkar. The 9th century monument is said to have predicted seismic activity (or the roar of hooves by approaching armies) by shifting.

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2. Surp Poghos-Petros

   • Tatev, Armenia
   • Sights › Fortress

   A steep climb up the south side of the Vorotan Canyon turns left before Tatev village. The great fortified monastery's main church of Surp Poghos-Petros was built by the bishops of Syunik in the 9th century to house important relics. There are faint signs of frescoes, intricate carvings and portraits of the main donors on the northern side.

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3. Meghri Fortress

   • Meghri, Armenia
   • Sights › Fortress

   The Meghri fortress above the town dates mostly from the 18th century.

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