The Zarni-Parni cave-fortress complex lies west of Haghpat, on the high right bank of the Jaghatsajur (Zhivankajur), a tributary of the Debed, opposite Kayan Fortress. The caves sit at the foot of a tall basalt cliff. Haghpat locals have referred to the monument as “Zarni Er”, “Parni Er” and “Hin Berd” (Old Fortress).
The Zarni cave covers about 600 square metres. Its floor gradually rises towards the back, and in the southern part water drips from the ceiling. At the end of the 10th or beginning of the 11th century, the cave’s open side was closed off with a wall about 30 m long, 8–10 m high and about 1.5 m thick, built of large split basalt blocks set in lime mortar.
The cave is believed to have served as a shelter and storehouse during wars and raids by nomadic tribes. During the Russo-Persian War of 1827, part of the population of the surrounding villages also took refuge here.
Above Zarni lies the Parni cave. It is also fortified with walls, and inside a stone-and-mortar water reservoir and clay pipes have survived. Higher still is Tsak Er, a hard-to-reach cave.
For a long time the monument was inaccessible. In 2016–2019 it was restored and landscaped on the initiative of Alaverdi resident Ruben Mesrobyan. The restoration also included reinforcement and safety work.
