Fortress · Lori
Kayan Fortress
Կայանբերդ · Kayan Berd · Kayanberd
Ruined walls and towers on a hill at the edge of the Debed gorge between the monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, rebuilt in 1233 by Bishop Hovhannes of Haghpat.
Where it is
41.0966, 44.6975
Why go
Semi-cylindrical towers still punctuate walls that stretch roughly 120 metres from north to south, and inside lie the remains of dwellings, water basins and aqueducts. The small domed church of Saint Astvatsatsin, also called Dsevank, stands within the circuit. It is a ruin to explore on foot rather than a finished monument. The site makes most sense as an add-on to Haghpat Monastery, whose bishop rebuilt it, and suits travellers who enjoy rough medieval sites.
Near Kayan Fortress
Monastery
Haghpat Monastery
A 10th-century monastery founded by Queen Khosrovanush on a promontory above the Debed River in Lori, grouped around the Cathedral of Surb Nshan.
1 km · straight-line distance; driving distance and time differ
Monastery
Sanahin Monastery
Sanahin's 10th-century monastery in Lori's Alaverdi community, where a library building of 1063 and an academy hall stand among churches, gavits and khachkars.
3 km · straight-line distance; driving distance and time differ
Monastery
Akhtala Monastery
A fortified monastery on high ground above Akhtala, bordered by rocky canyons on three sides, whose domed basilica of Saint Astvatsatsin preserves frescoes including a Last Judgment on its west wall.
8 km · straight-line distance; driving distance and time differ
Church
Odzun Church
A domed basilica in the Lori village of Odzun, first built in the 6th century, with a separate early medieval memorial beside it where tall carved stelae stand in arched openings on a stepped plinth.
8 km · straight-line distance; driving distance and time differ