Alinja Castle

Alinja sits on an isolated rock ridge above the Araz valley, fortified from at least the medieval period and held long enough against a siege in the late fourteenth century to become a fixture in local history. The remains are walls, cisterns and foundations spread across the summit ridge. Getting there means climbing a stair of over a thousand steps built up the slope during restoration in the 2010s, which is a serious ascent, and the reward is the ruin and a long view down the valley towards the Araz.

What you actually see

• The stair - over a thousand rebuilt steps climbing the ridge from the car park.
• The walls and cisterns - fortification remains and water storage cut into the summit.
• The ridge - an isolated rock spur standing well above the surrounding valley.
• The view - the Araz valley and the mountains beyond it from the top.

When to go

April to June and September to October are the right seasons; midsummer on this stair is punishing and the site has no shade. Early morning is much the best time. Winter ice makes the steps dangerous.

Honest expectations

The climb is long and steep and takes most people well over an hour, and there is no shade on it. Restoration has been heavy and some of what you see at the top is recent. Water needs carrying, since there is nothing on the way up.

Nearby

Julfa is south on the Araz, and Ordubad is further east along the valley.