The Smbataberd fortress was probably founded in the 5th century, and then was enlarged in the 10th, to such an extent that it became one of the strongest in Armenia. It is still impressive, especially because three of its sides are just steep cliffs. Whether the fortress fell to the Seljuk or the Mongols appears to be still in debate…
The path to the church of Spitakavor runs through the summer village of local farmers on alpine meadows, or yayla. The least you can say about them is that they are very hospitable!! We couldn't leave until each and every family had given us water or fruits!