Bjni Fortress

A medieval fortress on a rocky hill above the village of Bjni in the Kotayk region of Armenia, once a stronghold of a powerful noble family in the medieval kingdom. Its ruined walls and towers crown the crag, and traces of a secret passage and cisterns survive within. In the village below stands a fine 11th-century church of the Holy Mother of God with rich carving. Together the fortress and church trace the fortunes of the local dynasty, and the site offers wide views over the Hrazdan valley.