Caravanserai in Jrapi, Medieval caravanserai in Jrapi, Armenia
The caravanserai in Jrapi is a rectangular stone building with walls roughly 1.75 meters thick that create three naves separated by two rows of columns with circular arches. The central nave rises higher than the side sections and is supported by nine square pillars joined by rounded arches beneath a peaked roof.
The building was constructed in the 12th century during Seljuq rule and served as a rest stop along trade routes connecting the Caucasus to Anatolia. Its construction reflects the strategic importance of these commercial pathways during the medieval period.
The structure showcases regional stone masonry techniques, with carefully cut blocks in contrasting colors that reflect the craftsmanship of medieval builders.
The building stands near a church and is freely accessible to visitors interested in medieval architecture. The location allows you to explore both structures during the same visit.
The nine square pillars in the central nave are not fully joined but rather separated by individual arches with gaps between them, an unusual structural solution for medieval buildings. This arrangement provided both stability and better air circulation inside the space.
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