Kayaberd Fortress

According to its construction inscriptions, the fortress was built in 1233 by Bishop Hovhannes, the abbot of Haghpat Monastery, to serve the monastic community of Haghpat. Initially, it was known as the “Fortress of the Holy Sign of Haghpat,” while the names Kayaberd and Dsevanq came into use in later periods. Today, the fortress is also known as Aknaberd, most likely due to its proximity to the village of Akner. The fortress suffered significant damage at the hands of the Tatars in 1241. The ruins of numerous buildings, water reservoirs, and fired-clay water supply pipes have survived within its walls. The Church of St. Astvatsatsin of Dsevanq still stands within the fortress grounds.