A mausoleum and a fortress!

If it's morning, it's coffee. If it's coffee, it's jazz! Good morning to you and on to adventure!

Shamiram means "Semiramide" in Armenian. It is not clear who first gave the village this exotic name. The present inhabitants of Shamiram are the descendants of fire-worshipping Kurds who fled here in 1917 from Turkey, where they were persecuted. But people have settled in this place, undoubtedly, more than once, and the powerful walls of the ancient fortress, rising not far from the village, probably, already in the Middle Ages made such a strong impression on local shepherds that they attributed its construction to the legendary queen.

The medieval fortress of Amberd is located in the region of Aragatsotn, on the southern slope of Armenia's highest point, Mount Aragats. Scholars are divided as to when the fortress was founded. There is historical information that the castle and part of the fortress walls were built in the VII century.

In the village there is a structure from the 4th century - the tomb of the Armenian kings. The remains of the Armenian kings were taken away from the Persians who tried to take them to Persia, believing that it would add glory to them, and were reburied in the village of Akhtsk. A tomb was built for this purpose. This structure dates from 359 to 360. The tomb is illuminated only by light coming through the doorway. On the stone pillars of the entrance are bas-reliefs of hunting scenes. According to the legend the remains of the pagan kings of the Arshakid dynasty were buried to the left of the entrance and the remains of the kings who converted to Christianity were buried to the right, near the bas-relief with the cross. The sarcophagi are decorated with bas-reliefs from the 4th century. On the right Christian sarcophagus is a warrior with a spear striking a stag. The scene of the fights between the person and a wild boar symbolizes war between Armenia and Persia as the wild boar was represented on the seal of the Persian king. The Christian temple constructed in IV century was closely adjoined to a tomb. Its ruins have remained till our days. The remnants of the lateral walls, altar and columns are preserved.

Stop by this cozy spot for a bite to eat and enjoy the atmosphere before heading out for an overnight stay. Don't miss any opportunity to enjoy the local scenery along the way. Armenia is a very beautiful country!