Located in the heart of Eastern Anatolia, Kars is one of Turkey's most fascinating cities with its historical and cultural richness! Get ready for a journey to the Ani Archaeological City. In this destination that both history lovers and nature lovers will want to visit, you will go back in time. Now, are you ready to take a stroll through this mysterious and fascinating place?
Here is what you need to know about Ani Historical City👇
According to historical sources, Ani's roots date back to the 8th century BC. Ani Castle, built by the Urartians in the 8th century BC, still has a splendor that fascinates those who see it. The cradle of civilizations, Ani came under Persian rule in the 6th century BC. In 331 BC, it came under the sovereignty of Alexander the Great and later under the rule of the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire respectively.
In the 10th and 11th centuries, Ani became an important trade and cultural center and many churches, monasteries and castles were built over the centuries. Therefore, Ani is not only a cultural heritage, but also a religious and historical one!
In the 12th century, Ani was conquered by the Seljuks and became an important cultural center. But this extraordinary center was destroyed by the Mongol invasion in the 13th century.
Today, Ani is located in Kars province of Turkey. The Ani Archaeological Site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016. A witness to history, Ani is one of Turkey's most important cultural heritages.
As the cradle of civilization, it is possible to find traces of almost every culture in the architecture of Ani Archaeological Site. Especially the historical buildings, which are a synthesis of Armenian, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman architecture, are a treasure trove of information about the past.
If we need to discuss in more detail, we can examine the most striking buildings in the region:
Ani Cathedral is one of the most important works of Armenian architecture. The cathedral was built in 1001 and was influenced by Byzantine architecture during its construction.
Ani Walls were built in the 10th century. It is known that it was built under the influence of Seljuk architecture.
Ani Fortress was also built in the 10th century. However, unlike the Walls, the Castle bears the characteristics of Armenian architecture.
Ani Bazaar is another building built in the 10th century. And again it bears the characteristics of Seljuk architecture.
Ani Monastery was built in the 11th century. It is also possible to see the characteristics of Armenian architecture here.
The Ani Archaeological Site is among the most important artifacts to be seen in Ani:
Ani Cathedral: Built in 1001, the Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the most important works of Armenian architecture.
Ani Walls: Built in the 10th century, the Walls were built to protect the city.
Ani Fortress: Built in the 10th century, the Fortress is located at the highest point of the city of Ani.
Ani Bazaar: Built in the 10th century. The Bazaar was the most important trade center of the city of Ani for centuries.
Ani Monastery: Built in the 11th century, the Monastery is one of the most important religious centers of the city of Ani.
Ani Archaeological Site is one of Turkey's precious and worth-seeing cultural heritages. With its historical texture that defies centuries, Ani offers its visitors the chance to see the architectural and cultural richness of the Armenian, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods at the same time.
Ani is located in Kars province of Turkey. To reach Ani, you need to go to Kars. Kars can be reached by bus or plane from cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya. It is possible to reach Ani in Ocaklı Village, 44 kilometers east of Kars, by bus or minibus, apart from private cars and taxis.
How to get to Ani Archaeological Site by bus
Buses depart from Kars Bus Station to Ani at certain times every day. Before your trip, be sure to check the timetables, which may vary according to the season and weekday and weekend schedules. The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour.
How to get to Ani Archaeological Site by Minibus
Although there are changes in the hours from time to time, minibuses departing from the front of Kars Bus Station reach Ani.
How to get to Ani Archaeological Site by car
Driving from Kars to Ani is the fastest transportation option. The distance between Kars and Ani is approximately 44 kilometers. You should take the route to Ocaklı village to the east of the city.