Usually fortresses were built in the middle ages for protecting the city from frequent enemy raids. And even more often, a fortress was the beginning of the city: noble people settled down behind its walls in the first instance, and then artisans and workers. In Gyumri the first fortress appeared much later, in 1834, after the Second Russian-Persian War. The need to erect fortification in that place emerged with the approaching war against Turkey and the urge to protect the borders of the empire.

It was a reliable citadel with an extensive underground communication system, thick walls, equipped with the latest technical capabilities of the time. A bastion of strength and power, which was supposed to symbolize the victory over the enemy.

After the end of the Russian-Turkish military operations, the fortress was used as a warehouse of artillery shells for quite a long time. At the same time, it was decided to enlarge the fortress. The construction works began but soon were forced to stop.

It turned out that the hill, where the Black Sentry was located, was the oldest populated part of the city of Gyumri. One of the very first settlements had been situated there many centuries ago, and right under the fortress, there was a cemetery.

Soon, all the architectural finds were sent to museums, and the Sev Berd with the area around it was recognized as an important cultural object that had to be preserved.

This building belonged to the Russian army for several years, already in the 20th  —  21st centuries. Then it turned into the state ownership and today it is not only a beautiful architectural monument, but also an exciting viewpoint, a small museum, and a splendid cultural center.

All the guests who visit the Black Fortress note that, despite the active modernization, the spirit of antiquity has been preserved there: the black stones of the walls, torches, a 30 meters deep well, chains, all of it creates a unique atmosphere.