Black Fortress
Round 19th-century Russian fort above Gyumri
- Area Shirak
- Type Fortress
- Time needed 30m
The Black Fortress, Sev Berd, is a round fort of dark stone on a hill at the edge of Gyumri, built by the Russian military in the 19th century. It is a landmark rather than a museum, and most of the interest is the shape of the building and the view.
Open in the planner →Getting there
About 124 km from Yerevan, roughly 2h 16m of driving to Gyumri. The fortress is on the south-western edge of town, a short drive or a long walk from the centre.
What you see
The circular black basalt wall with its gun embrasures is the thing to look at, standing almost alone on bare ground. From outside, the whole circuit can be walked in a few minutes, with Gyumri on one side and the plateau towards the closed Turkish border on the other. The interior has been reworked as an events and performance space.
What to pair it with
Pair it with central Gyumri and Yot Verk church, and with Marmashen to the west.
When to go
Late afternoon gives the best light on the dark stone and the clearest views. The hill is bleak and very exposed in winter wind.
What is hard about it
Access to the inside depends on whether an event is on and is not guaranteed, which disappoints people who drive up for it. There is no interpretation on site and nothing to do beyond looking, so half an hour is plenty.
Common questions
Can I go inside?
Sometimes, when the venue is open or an event is running. There is no reliable public opening. [VERIFY — confirm current details]
Is there a charge?
Any charge depends on the event. [VERIFY — confirm current details]
Who built it?
It was built as a Russian imperial fortification in the 19th century, part of the garrison works around what was then Alexandropol.
Nearby
- Marmashen Monastery10th-century monastery in the Akhurian valley
- Harichavank7th-century monastery near Artik
- Holy Saviour's ChurchGyumri's landmark church, restored after the 1988 quake
- Yot Verk Church19th-century church on Vardanants Square
- Yereruyk Basilica5th-century basilica near the Turkish border
- Lake ArpiHighland lake and national park famed for birdlife
More of the same kind
- Erebuni FortressUrartian citadel from 782 BC, the birthplace of Yerevan
- Amberd FortressCliff-top fortress on the slopes of Mount Aragats
- SmbataberdRidge-top fortress high above the Yeghegis valley
- Lori BerdMedieval fortress-town between two river gorges