Ani

Ani is a medieval archaeological site in Kars Province, Turkey, sitting on a volcanic plateau right at the border with Armenia. The ruins spread across a wide area, enclosed by thick fortified walls that run for several kilometers and remain partly intact.

The city reached its height between the 10th and 13th centuries as a major trading hub on the Silk Road under Armenian rule. After invasions and earthquakes, it lost its people and remained abandoned from the 14th century onward.

The name Ani likely means "city of a thousand and one churches", referring to the many places of worship that once filled the streets and courtyards. Visitors today can walk among Armenian churches, mosques, and caravanserais, revealing how different communities shared this space and practiced their faiths side by side over many generations.

The site lies about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Kars and is best reached by car or organized tour. The ground is large and uneven, so comfortable shoes and enough time for a full walk are recommended.

The cathedral displays early elements of Gothic construction such as pointed arches and ribbed vaults, which later became widespread in European church design. This style appeared here in the 11th century, long before it gained popularity in the West.