Sitting on a promontory between the gorges of the Dzoragets and Miskhana Rivers, this ruined fortress has huge round towers and massive stone blocks along its exposed side. Originally the base of David Anhogin (949–1049), it eventually became a local power base for the Orbelians and Zakarians, powerful families of Armenian nobles. It's surrounded by farmland, an ancient cemetery and hillocks that are actually Bronze Age tumulus tombs. The bridge in the gorge below dates from the 14th century.
To reach the fortress, head out of town across the bridge and veer right at the roundabout, following the course of the river past the Lori Berd village and then veering right again at a sign. The remaining 2km is on a poor-quality road. A taxi from Stepanavan takes about 15 minutes and should cost around AMD1000. From the fort, you can walk back to Stepanavan along a 4.5km trail in the steep-sided gorge; this starts on the north side of the fort.
