On the slope of Mount Aragats at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level is the Amberd fortress (Ամբերդ). Its name comes from the phrase “Cloud-Fortress”.
It is assumed that the castle was founded by the princes of Kamsarakan, then the castle passed into the possession of the Armenian military leader Vahram Pahlavuni. Subsequently, it was purchased by Armenian rulers from the Bagratuni dynasty, who turned the castle into the main outpost of their kingdom. The church there was built in 1026.
The fortress was surrounded by high (15-16 m) and massive (2-3 m thick) walls. The fortress had two gates, named after two gorges: Arkashen and Amberdadzor. Like many other medieval castles, Amberd had several secret underground exits into the gorges.
