A mausoleum and a fortress!

If it's morning, it's coffee. If it's coffee, it's jazz! Have a good morning and let's get adventurous!

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

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

In the village there is a structure from the IV century - the tomb of Armenian kings. The remains of the Armenian kings were taken away from the Persians trying to take them to Persia, believing that this would add glory to them, and were reburied in the village of Akhtsk. For this purpose the sepulchre was constructed. This construction is dated 359 - 360. The tomb is illuminated only by the light penetrating through the door aperture. On the stone pillars of the entrance are preserved bas-reliefs of hunting scenes. According to the legend to the left of the entrance the remains of the pagan kings of Arshakids dynasty were buried and to the right, near the bas-relief with the cross the remains of the kings who adopted Christianity were buried. The sarcophagi are decorated with bas-reliefs of the IV century. On the right Christian sarcophagus there is a warrior with a spear hitting a wild boar. 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 up to now. The remains of lateral walls, an altar, columns are preserved.

Stop by this cozy spot to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the atmosphere, then head out for an overnight stay. On your way don't miss any opportunity to enjoy the local scenery. Armenia is a very beautiful country!