Armenian Bastion

The Armenian Bastion is a historical structure that played a significant role in both the defense and construction of the city. Situated on the third terrace from the Fortress Bridge, it stands tall and dominates the western side of the city. Although it was initially built before the 16th century, it suffered heavy destruction by the 17th century. However, restoration and modernization efforts were undertaken in the late 17th century, with further improvements made in the 1930s and the 18th century. The architecture of the Armenian Bastion is classified as an early small bastion with an obtuse forming angle. It is constructed using stones and is strategically placed on rocky ledges. The bastion has a hexagonal shape, with the eastern and urban sides open, while the outer planes have a slight positive slope. The interior space is filled, and the walls vary in height, with the tallest point reaching 12 meters from the base of the rock on the west side. As one of the main defense points, the Armenian bastion guarded one of the city's three entrances. Visitors to the Armenian Bastion should not miss the medieval Armenian bell tower at the entrance gates, which adds to the historical charm of the site. The gates themselves are described as fantastic, with a rich history embedded within them. The Armenian Bastion is a majestic gateway to the beautiful city and castle, offering great views that are perfect for capturing memorable photographs.