Okhchu Fortress (referred to by Armenians as “Baghaberd”) is located in the Gafan district, at the confluence of the Okhchu and Gighi rivers, atop a high hill known as Novruzyurd. This fortress was situated in a highly strategic military location, separating two prominent peaks of Zangazur—Mount Khustup (Üstüpü) and Mount Gazbel. Its construction dates back to the 6th–7th centuries.

Okhchu Fortress is one of the five strongholds in Zangazur referred to as the Babak Fortresses. It is said that one of the final battles of the great Azerbaijani commander Babak took place at this site. Research on the fortress indicates that it was constructed as a defensive stronghold.

Until recent times, 17 towers of the Okhchu Fortress remained standing. It is generally believed that the fortress originally had around 26 to 27 towers. Two sides of the fortress are protected by steep cliffs, while the other two sides were fortified with double defensive walls separating them from the surrounding terrain. Okhchu Fortress was constructed using uncut volcanic stones bonded with lime-based mortar. Directly across from the fortress, on the opposite bank of the Okhchu River, lie the remains of another fortress.

Okhchu Fortress served as the administrative center of Syunik for many years. Although the fortress was partially destroyed when it was captured by the Seljuks in 1170, it was later rebuilt and restored.