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Aruch Caravanserai

Armenia

Cultural Treasure

Connecting Ani and Dvin, the two great cities of Armenian antiquity, a road wound through fertile fields and volcanic plains. Countless people with their livestock and goods, locals and foreigners, traversed this road for hundreds of years. To take advantage of the influx of travelers, historic inns were constructed along these routes, known as caravanserais. One such example, know as the Aruch Caravanserai, lies right off the highway connecting the two largest cities of modern Armenia, which follows roughly the same ancient route.


Dating to the 13th century, this caravanserai must have been a significant and popular resting place due to its size and continued use. Even though in partial ruins today, many features can be made out, including the central area where the animals could be kept flanked by the numerous rooms. The orange tuff, a common used material for construction in the region, contrasts beautifully with the green grass and open fields. A visit today is still enjoyable, and most likely will be the only around, besides the cars zooming on by the nearby highway.

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Location:

A stones through near the halfway point of Highway 1, the road connecting Armenia's two largest cities of Yerevan and Gyumri.


Period:

Originally constructed in the 13th century during the height of the Silk Roads at this region.


Purpose:

A resting for both locals and foreigners traveling between Ani, Dvin and beyond. Both livestock and goods could be safely kept.


Now:

It lies right off the modern highway now, although it very seldom receives visitors. Together with the Orbelian's Caravanserai, it is one of the best preserved in Armenia.



Our Visit

Our driver pulled off the highway to a dirt road, crossing a stream and wrapping around to the other side of the caravanserai. Off we set off to explore the ruins, but the driver stayed back. It was not large, but it is still quite well preserved. All areas are free to explore and roam about, so that is exactly what we did. Although the location is not as dramatic as the Orbelian's caravanserai further south in Armenia, I still found it worthwhile to make a quick stop. Uncovering lesser know, and seldom visited sites such as here is part of what makes venturing to far lands so rewarding.


Read our story of our road trip along Armenia's Silk Road

Passage through the Highlands


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Explore More


Nearby Treasures:


     ➨  Talin Cathedral - 20 km away



Similar Treasures:


     ➨  Cinci Han Caravanserai - Safranbolu, Turkey



Travel to the Silk Road Outpost:


     ➨  Ani




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