Tigranakert or Tigranakert of Artsakh is an ancient Armenian city dating back to the Hellenistic era. The uncovered Armenian artifacts show both the cultural and political significance of this site. Find out more about this city in Nagorno Karabakh region.
Tigranakert of Artsakh is one of four ruined cities with the same name in the Armenian plateau, which is located in the Nagorno Karabakh region. The city occupies a territory of about 50 hectares.
Nowadays, Tigranakert is the most known and most visited monument in Artsakh. Tigranakert not only represents the rich cultural heritage of the Nagorno Karabakh region, but also enhances the pride of the local population.
First of all, people who see Tigranakert of Artsakh, feel proud and honored that they are Armenians.
So, if you want to share these emotions and learn more about this wonderful cultural heritage, just keep on reading.
Tigranakert of Artsakh: Name, Origin and Excavations
Tigranakert, also known Tigranakert of Artsakh is a ruined Hellenistic Armenian city.
The ancient city is named in honor of the Armenian king Tigranes the Great. Naming the cities by the titles of some famous dynasties was a common phenomenon in the Hellenistic world. Before Tigranes the Great, the cities of Yervandashat, Yervandakert, Artashat and some others were created and were named after the kings as well.
It is known that in honor of Tigranes the Great, at least four cites have been built. It’s not surprising as, after all, he was a Great king. The discovery of Tigranakert of Artsakh is quite important and the most successful initiative in the history of the Armenian cultural heritage.
It’s interesting to note that before the archaeological excavations only legends were known about Tigranakert. Archaeologist Hamlet Petrosyan’s research suggests that Tigranakert of Artsakh was founded in the first century B.C. Most importantly, Petrosyan and his team presume that the city was inhabited until the 14th century.
The possibility of finding Tigranakert of Artsakh has always intrigued Petrosyan. He is the head of the department of cultural studies at Yerevan State University and the director of the Archaeological Expedition of Artsakh. The large part of the excavations and researches of Tigranakert belong to him and his team.
How to get to Tigranakert?
As we already mentioned above Tigranakert of Artsakh is located in Mardakert District. As currently the airport is not functioning in Nagorno Karabakh region, it’s impossible to get there by plane.
There is also no working railway between Yerevan and Stepanakert. Tigranakert is just a short drive from the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh, Stepanakert.
But the majority of people who arrive to Nagorno Karabakh region from Armenia get there by automobile through the Berdzor (Lachin) Corridor, passing via the Karvajar.
There are also many tour companies that offer guided tours to Nagorno-Karabakh region. The prices differ by how long you want to stay in there and how many destinations you want to visit. But mostly they start from 150$.
Need to Stay Somewhere Overnight?
If you want to have a comfortable rest in Nagorno Karabakh region and visit its sights, including Tigranakert, then here are several options where you can stay.
Hotel #1: Armenia
One of the best variants to stay in is the Armenia Hotel. It has a great location right in the heart of Stepanakert. One more great thing about it is that it’s just 17.6 miles away from Tigranakert of Artsakh.
Armenia Hotel has 55 guest rooms, which are furnished according to international standards. The decoration is done beautifully in mild and relaxing colors. The hotel also offers high-class accommodation: Single rooms, Double and Double Twins, connected family rooms.
Armenia hotel has business center with Internet access, swimming pool and sauna. The most important thing is that they also organize sightseeing tours, so it will be a great advantage for you.
The price range may differ from season to season.
|Room Type||Price in AMD||Price in USD|
|Family Room||45 000||92|
|Junior Suite||50 000||102|
|Senior Suite||68 000||140|
Hotel #2: Ararat
There is also another good option for you that is called Ararat Hotel. It was founded in 2000 and is quite famous one in Karabakh Hotel industry and tourism. Located in Stepanakert, in a wooded area, it is just 19.4 miles from Tigranakert of Artsakh.
Ararat Hotel has 10 rooms: Single and Double rooms, Family room, Standard Twin room and Luxe.
Rooms have all standard facilities and accommodations that you may need during your stay. Also, you can admire the beautiful view of the famous Karkar River canyon from the hotel’s balcony.
Historical Value of Tigranakert
The first excavations in Tigranakert began in 2005, when, actually, it was first discovered. In 2006 an expedition consisting of experts of archaeology of bronze, ancient and middle ages was organized by the initiative of H. Petrosyan.
The main goal of the expedition was archaeological research and investigation of the area. As a result of 2006-2012 excavations several important artifacts were discovered:
- The “swallow-like” ties wall of the Fortified area
- Southern and a portion of northern fortification walls
- Terrace support wall and early Christian basilica
- Citadel located directly above the Fortified area
- Single-domed basilica church, Hellenistic necropolis
Excavations were done in the areas of the Fortified and Central areas, as well as in Early Christian necropolis. Besides, the Cave sanctuary complex and the Early Medieval fortress, located in the surrounding areas of the city, were researched as well.
The excavations are still in an ongoing process, as archeologists are sure that there are way more important and valuable things to uncover in this territory.
In 2010, archaeological museum of Tigranakert of Artsakh, dedicated to the study and preservation of artifacts that were uncovered from the ruins of Tigranakert, was established. It is always full of with visitors. So, if you plan to visit Tigranakert, don’t miss your chance to visit the museum as well.
Other Related Posts of Tigranakert of Artsakh, a Ruined City in Nagorno Karabakh Region
- Gandzasar Monastery in Nagorno-Karabakh | a reflection of Armenia’s Christianity
- Stepanakert Guide | Airport, Weather, Hospital, Find Out More About the Capital City of Nagorno Karabakh