CASTLES ARARAT PROVINCE

Gevorg Marzpetuni Castle, also known as Tapi Fortress, is a 10th-century monastery-fortress complex located near Vedi in Armenia's Ararat region. Built during the first quarter of the 10th century, the fortification features a rectangular defensive perimeter with four corners reinforced by round towers, enclosing a 13th-century vaulted church constructed from hewn white felsite stones. The complex served as both a religious center and military stronghold, with vaulted residential and service buildings lining the southern and eastern walls to accommodate the garrison. Named after the medieval Armenian commander Marzpetuni, the site is historically significant as a 12th-century script center and contains centuries-old khachkars and gravestones reflecting its long spiritual heritage.

Kakavaberd Fortress rises 1,516 meters above sea level on a ridge overlooking the Azat River gorge within Armenia's Khosrov Forest State Reserve in Ararat Province. First documented in historical records by historian John V during the 9th-10th centuries as a possession of the Bagratuni family, the fortress was subsequently controlled by the Pahlavunis during the 11th century and the Proshyans in the 12th-13th centuries. The well-preserved fortification features defensive walls measuring 2 to 2.6 meters thick with heights reaching 8.15 meters, protected on three sides by natural gulfs and rock formations while the fourth side is enclosed by constructed barriers. The fortress derives its name from the partridges and willow ptarmigans abundant in the region, with its original designation being Geghama Monastery after the highland's name.