Ani Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
Ruined medieval Armenian city in Kars, Turkey, and UNESCO World Heritage Site
About Ani
Ani's first rise to prominence was in the 400s AD. At this time, it was a hilltop fortress that belonged to the Armenian Kamsarakan Dynasty; by the 800s, however, the Kamsarakan possessions in Eastern Anatolia had merged with the Bagratid Dynasty. In 961, King Ashot III moved the Armenian capital to Ani, and Armenian Catholics followed. Consequently, the city became the undisputed center of Armenia and grew rapidly until, by the eleventh century, there were more than 100,000 citizens. At its height, the city became known as theCity of Forty Gatesand theCity of a Thousand Churches. However, following the death of King Gagik in 1020, Armenian power was split between two sons and thegolden ageended. The son who controlled Ani, attempting to prevent invasion, named the Byzantine Emperor his he
Top Attractions in Ani
Explore the best things to see and do in Ani:
- ★Ani Cathedral
- ★Checkerboard Gate
- ★Church of Ashot
- ★Church of Bagarat-Arkaun
- ★Church of Saint Elia
- ★Church of Saint Gregory of the Abughamrents
- ★Church of Saint Gregory of Tigran Honents
- ★Church of the Holy Apostles
Ani Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 8 sections including: