Archaeological Site of Ani

About

From the 9th to 11th centuries, the Archaeological Site of Ani was the capital of the Kingdom of the Bagratides. Rich from trade money, Ani remained an important crossroads through Byzantine, Seljuk, and Georgian sovereignties. The ‘City of 1001 Churches’ declined in the 14th century following the Mongol invasion and a devastating earthquake. Today, visitors can still see the mighty city walls, built between the 10th and 11th centuries, within which, the ruins of the cathedral, 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, and the mosque of Manuchihr, show not only how Ani got its nickname, but also the development of architectural styles through the middle ages.