Black Fortress — Attraction in Gyumri

Gyumri, which lies on the border with Turkey, became part of the Russian Empire after the Treaty of Gulistan. Gyumri was renamed Alexandropol in 1837 after the visit of Tsar Nicholas I, in honor of his wife, Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna. The fortress was built on top of a hill, and the full fortification took a decade after the first stones were laid in 1834. The fortress is a 360-degree round structure made of black stone, from which it gets its name. After Russia's loss in the Crimean War, Sev Berd was upgraded and designated a "first-class" fortress. It never underwent a siege, but was of strategic importance in victories over the Turks in subsequent wars that lasted through 1878. The fortress was downgraded to "second-class" status in 1887, after the final Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 that saw Russia gain strongholds in Kars and Batumi. The Russian 102nd Military Base was built in the 1940s next to Sev Berd. The base remains active today for the Russian military, which provides national defense support...

Did you know the Black Fortress in Gyumri was built entirely from black tuff stone, not just for its imposing look but also as a strategic measure for camouflage during military conflicts?

This historical fortress never faced a direct siege, despite its creation following the Russo-Turkish War. Instead, it served varied roles—from a fearsome military prison to a crucial artillery warehouse.

Today, it's not just an architectural marvel but a cultural hotspot. The fortress has been transformed into a venue for concerts and events, breathing new life into its ancient walls. If you're in Gyumri, stepping into the Black Fortress is like walking into a live history book, surrounded by panoramic views that are as breathtaking...

The Black Fortress (Sev Berd) in Gyumri is a historic military structure built during the Russian Empire in the 19th century.

Key Facts: • Location: Gyumri, Armenia, on a hill overlooking the city. • Construction: Built in 1834 under the orders of Tsar Nicholas I as part of the Russian Empire’s defense system against the Ottoman Empire. • Architecture: Made of black tuff stone, giving it the name “Black Fortress.” It has a circular design with thick walls for strategic defense. • Historical Role: Played a key role in the Russo-Turkish Wars and was a major military stronghold in the region. • Current Use: While it was originally a military base, today it is used for cultural events, concerts,...