Vorotnaberd Որոտանաբերդ
Syunik Province, Armenia
The remains of Vorotnaberd
Vorotnaberd Որոտանաբերդ Show map of Armenia Vorotnaberd Որոտանաբերդ Show map of Syunik Province
Coordinates	39°29′44″N 46°07′20″E / 39.4956°N 46.1222°E / 39.4956; 46.1222
Type	Fortress
Site information
Open to the public	Yes
Condition	Some of the fortress survives.
Site history
Materials	Stone
Demolished	Yes

Vorotnaberd (Armenian: Որոտանաբերդ; also Davit Bek's Castle) is an important fortress along a ridge overlooking the Vorotan gorge, between the villages of Vaghatin and Vorotan in the Syunik Province of Armenia. Vorotnaberd is 1,365 metres (4,478 ft) above sea level.^[1]

History

Vorotnaberd was destroyed multiple times by foreign invasions. In 1104 (possibly in 1219 as well) Seljuk-Turks attacked the fortress and the nearby monastery of Vorotnavank 3 kilometres (2 mi) northwest. Ivane Zakaryan liberated the structures from enemy hands and gave control of Vorotnavank and Vorotnaberd to Liparit Orbelian of the Orbelyan family. Repairs were made to the nearby monastery during this time to make it functional once again.

Other foreign invasions included the Mongol-Tatars (in 1236?) and later Timur Lenk in 1386 where his army lay siege to the fortress. An underground passageway connected to Vorotnavank and the Vorotan River was used during sieges by invading armies.

In 1724 Davit Bek took control of Vorotnaberd from Melik Baghri. This incident led people living in the region to call the fortress by the name "Davit Bek's Castle".

Architecture

The fortress is in ruin.

Gallery