The Mysterious Ruins Of Ani Are A Travelers Dream

Located on a secluded plateau overlooking a stunning ravine that shapes the natural border between Turkey and Armenia, the ghost town of Ani has some of the world’s most striking ancient ruins. A real discovery for travelers with a knack for adventure, check out the story of amazing Ani.

Situated in Turkey’s Kars province along the border with Armenia, the ancient city of Ani is literally in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by untouched valleys and mountains. Apart from the beautiful natural scenery, the remnant structures themselves are also exceptional, including the ruins of a stunning cathedral and six churches. When Ani became the capital of the Armenian kingdom of the Bagradites, it flourished, profiting from having control over one section of the Silk Road.

The city, which lived out its golden age during the 10th and 11th centuries, was also able to later maintain its importance during the Byzantine, Seljuk, and Georgian sovereignty as a predominant crossroads for merchant caravans. It wasn’t until 1319 that the city began to lose its splendor due to a Mongol invasion and an intense earthquake. After changing hands several times (including local Turkish dynasties, the Timurid dynasty, and the Persian Safavids), Ani became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1579. A small town continued to exist within Ani’s walls until around the 17th century, but it was abandoned entirely by 1735 when the last monks left Kızkale.

However, despite the corrosive effects of time and human interaction, the ruins of Ani continue to fascinate travelers. Nowadays, no permission is necessary to visit Ani, and anyone can take a round-trip from Kars with a cab or minibus to see the ancient city. While there, make sure to see the Cathedral of Ani (Surp Asdvadzadzin), completed in 1001 with a design by Armenia’s most celebrated architect, Trdat.

Other important sights include the Surp Stephanos Church, the Church of St. Gregory of Tigran Honents, the Church of the Holy Redeemer, the Church of St. Gregory of the Abughamrents, King Gagik’s Church of St. Gregory, the Church of the Holy Apostles, the citadel (Kızkalesi), and the city walls. Right outside of Ani, there is also a cave village where inhabitants may have found shelter when the city became too overpopulated. The highlight is a cave church that still has beautiful original frescoes on its walls and ceiling.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.