HISTORICAL BUILDINGS
BERDSHЕN TSITSЕRNAKABЕRD
2nd-1st millennia BC - late Middle Ages
State Index: 1.6.14
Located slightly northwest of the center of Yerevan, on the right bank of the Hrazdan River, on steep slopes of Tsitsernakaberd mountain ranges and terraces, facing the historic Kond district and about 700 meters east of the memorial dedicated to victims of the Great Genocide, is located the palace of Astghik - the goddess of love in Armenian mythology.
Swallows live on the second floor of this palace and carry messages to the beloved of Astghiks, the god Vahagn, which is how the hill received its name - Tsitserakaberd (Swallow's Fortress).
Some scholars have identified this hill with the Chelidonium fortress mentioned in Byzantium sources (translated as “Swallowed Fortress”), based on historical events mentioned by 11th-century Byzantine chronicler John Skylytzes in 1047.
On the summit of the east-west-stretching promontory, on two terraces is the citadel of the fortress. The remains of walls measuring 2-6 meters wide, built from massive basalt stones and the foundation walls of the palace (temple) have been preserved at the top. The multi-layered terrace walls descend in steps from the summit to Hrazdan Gorge. In 1925, during construction of the Yerevan Hydroelectric Power Station, Late Bronze Age tombs were discovered on the banks of Hrazdan River.
Since the 1960s, archaeological research has been conducted on the site, revealing structures from different eras and rich archeological materials. Latest excavations were conducted in 1998 and 2007 by archaeologist Hayk Hakobyan. Based on archaeological materials available and construction art, he dated the site to 12th - 9th centuries BC and noted that life continued here until late Middle Ages (17th century).
This important monument in Yerevan has suffered significant damage. In
1949, extensive forestation work was carried out and later construction work
was implemented in the area, which resulted in significant damage to a part of
the fortress that was important for the ancient history and historic-cultural
image of the capital.
Built in the Bronze Age, Tsitsernakaberd has been continuously inhabited
for at least 4,000 years and has played a significant role in the defense
system of Yerevan. It is an exceptional monument to the history, culture, and
heritage of ancient, old, and medieval Yerevan.
“Scientific Research Centre of Historical and Cultural Heritage” SNCO
Yerevan Municipality
