The Black Fortress, or Sev Berd, is a circular 19th-century Russian fort built from dark volcanic tuff on the edge of Gyumri. Its heavy geometry feels very different from the city's churches and low stone streets, and the hilltop setting gives it a commanding presence.
The fort is most rewarding as part of a wider Gyumri wander that includes Mother Armenia and the old Kumayri district. Access and interior use can vary, but the exterior, views, and military history make it one of the city's strongest sights.