Erebuni Fortress
Urartian citadel from 782 BC, the birthplace of Yerevan
- Area Yerevan
- Type Fortress
- Time needed 1h 15m
Erebuni is the hilltop Urartian fortress whose 8th-century BC founding inscription gives Yerevan its name and its claim to be older than Rome. It sits on Arin Berd hill in the south of the city, with a small museum at the foot of the climb.
Open in the planner →Getting there
Roughly 7 km from central Yerevan, about 7 minutes by road, which makes it the easiest half-day addition to a city itinerary.
What you see
What survives is the plan rather than the elevation: low basalt and mudbrick wall lines marking the citadel, the courtyard of the temple of Haldi, the palace rooms and the columned hall. A few cuneiform blocks are set where they were found, and fragments of wall painting have been moved to the museum below. The view over the city and south towards the Ararat plain explains why the site was chosen.
What to pair it with
Pairs with the History Museum in town, which holds the better Urartian material, and with the Yerevan Brandy Company on the way back in.
When to go
Morning or late afternoon. The hill is fully exposed, so the middle of a summer day is punishing, and the site is at its least appealing in grey winter weather.
What is hard about it
Visitors expecting standing walls are often disappointed: much of what you see is waist-high reconstruction and the interpretation on site is thin. The climb up from the museum is short but steep, on steps and uneven ground.
Common questions
Is there anything left to see, or just foundations?
Mostly foundations and low restored walls, plus the temple courtyard and some inscribed blocks. It rewards an interest in Urartu more than it rewards a casual look.
Should I visit the museum at the bottom?
Yes, it is short and it puts the ruins in context, but the best Urartian finds are in the History Museum in the centre.
Do I need a ticket or a guide?
There is an entrance fee and guides are usually available at the museum. [VERIFY — confirm current details]
Nearby
- Yerevan CascadeGiant limestone stairway with modern sculpture and city views
- MatenadaranRepository of ancient Armenian manuscripts
- Republic SquareYerevan's central square with musical fountains
- Armenian Genocide MemorialHilltop memorial and museum to the victims of 1915
- History Museum of ArmeniaNational collection from prehistory to the modern era
- National Gallery of ArmeniaThe country's largest art collection, on Republic Square
More of the same kind
- 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
- Black FortressRound 19th-century Russian fort above Gyumri