Meghri Fortress: About
As a piece of architecture Meghri Fortress represents great interest. Its uniqueness is explained by the fact it has no walls. If not the only, then it’s perhaps one of the very few ones in its type. The fortress is built on tops of a mountain chain the inclined sides of which stand as the walls of the fortress. The fortress has six towers out of which six are circular and two are rectangular. They are made of fallow granite stones.
Meghri Fortress: History
Meghri Fortress was first mentioned in 1083 in the work of prominent Armenian historian Stepanos Orbelian, who referred to the fortress as an important fortification. The fortress was later in the 18th century reconstructed by David Bek. This medieval Armenian monument was primarily built for firearms.
On the whole, the fortress is not frequently mentioned, yet it’s obvious that the entire history of the city has this or that way affected the fortress. The city was invaded by Seljuks in 1157 and released only at the end of the 12th century. It became part of Zakarian Armenia. In the 14th century, it appeared in the center of Timur Lenk’s invasions. Then the city was invaded by Turkmen tribes. In 1840s it became a province of Karabakh and 28 years later an administrative part of Ganjak province.
Meghri Fortress: When to Visit
Considering the fact that most travelers usually choose to stay in capital Yerevan and from there start their explorations of Armenia, and also taking into full account the remote distance between the capital city and the city of Meghri, then in order not to have a spoiled visit (of course, if good weather is a primary asset for your travels) the weather must be considered. The best time to visit the city are summer and winter. Both summer and winter are dry with summers being very hot and winters being too cold. As for fall and springs, they are usually full of rains. Also note that October is the wettest month.
On the whole, if rains are not a hindering or irritating fact for you, then any time of year will be suitable, just know what you will come across.
Meghri Fortress: Things to See Nearby
The items discovered in the area date back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. On this score, the city of Meghri has recorded a long history. A number of monuments have been erected there.
Once in Meghri, you will learn about the Large and Small Quarters, each of which is popular for a particular structure. The Large Quarter is renowned for the Church of Saint Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother). It’s a 17th century church standing out with 19th century murals the majority of which are rather well-preserved. As for the Small Quarter, it’s main focus is on the Church of Saint Hovhannes (Saint John). This church, also, dates to the 17th century.
Lastly, Meghri is especially popular with its yellow pomegranates, so if you happen to visit the city when these pomegranates are in their full blossom, then it’s something not to miss.
