Medieval road unearthed at Lori Fortress excavations

Archaeologists from the Scientific Research Centre of Historical and Cultural Heritage, led by Arman Nalbandyan, have uncovered a medieval stone-paved road during excavations at the Lori Fortress in northern Armenia.

The 2025 excavations, conducted as part of a restoration project, focused on the second (royal) bathhouse located near the edge of a gorge. Despite partial collapse, foundations of walls, two pools with water supply and drainage systems, and numerous glazed and plain pottery fragments were found, including a rare decorative brick featuring a peacock motif.

Excavations along various sections of the fortress wall revealed a hidden passage about five meters high, now fully exposed, aiding future restoration plans.

Most notably, archaeologists discovered a medieval roadway built from stone slabs and tombstones near the fortress entrance, with curbstones formed from fragments of architectural monuments, some featuring decorative arches and bases.