Hiking tour: Mount Arteni – Dashtadem Fortress – Talin Cathedral

Mount Arteni is located in Aragatsotn Province and has two connected peaks: Mets (Big) Arteni at 2,047 metres, and Pokr (Small) Arteni at 1,753 metres. Locals sometimes call them Artin and Areg. The mountain range is about 10 kilometres wide and was formed by ancient lava flows.

The area around the mountain is a mix of hills and open steppe. Nearby you’ll find the town of Talin and the villages of Arteni, Areg, and Arevut. A rare Armenian flower – the Campanula massalskyi, or Massalsky bluebell – grows on the slopes.

Archaeologists have discovered remains of ancient fortresses on the mountain, along with stone tools from the Middle and New Stone Ages. At a site known as “Satani Dar,” obsidian tools such as knives, scrapers and blades were found, characteristic of the Pre-Acheulean and Acheulean periods.

Dashtadem Fortress is located in the southern part of the village of Dashtadem and is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Armenia.

The exact date it was built is unknown, but the oldest part – the central citadel – is believed to have been constructed in the 7th century by the noble Kamsarakan family, on top of foundations from the Urartian period.

Dashtademfortress remained in use until the 16th century. Its base was carved directly into solid rock, and inside there was a large open courtyard and a reservoir to collect and store water. Archaeological excavations have revealed ancient carved cross-stones (khachkars), as well as glass, clay, and bronze items – including a coin from the 12th century.

Restoration work began in 1961, when damaged sections of the walls were rebuilt and strengthened. Further excavations in 1989–1990 uncovered additional parts of the fortress, including the northern section of the wall and the area between the citadel and the northern wall.

Between 2005 and 2007, the citadel and outer walls were partly restored with support from a Centre for the Study and Conservation of Armenian Culture in Milan. During the excavations, the inner part of the main arched entrance and the tower of the wall built during the Zakarian period were also uncovered. The church was fully restored in 2006.

Talin Katoghike Church, also called Talin Cathedral, is in the town of Talin, Aragatsotn Province. It was built in the 7th century and is one of the largest historic churches in Armenia.

The cathedral is a domed basilica – a traditional church layout with a large dome on top. It is believed that the church was reconstructed as a domed cathedral in the 7th century.

It is considered a new and unique example in Armenian architecture because it combines a three-aisled design with a strong central dome.

On the north, east, and south sides, you’ll see multi-sided apses (small rounded sections), each decorated with stone arches. These features highlight the central area of the church and show the architect’s skill in blending old and new styles.

(The price includes the transport vehicle — it stays the same no matter how many people join.)

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