Cathedral of Ani

The Cathedral of Ani, in its beauty and ruin, is one of the most tragic and stunning pieces of Armenian medieval architecture.

It was constructed in the year 1001 AD in the now desolate city of Ani, located near the eastern border of Turkey.

The cathedral was once the centerpiece of a lively Christian kingdom.

Its pointed arches and early gothic elements remind us of the spiral stone-cut details that influenced early gothic architecture. Although it stands without a roof today, its silence echoes the clashes of cultures, religion, and trade that coexisted for centuries.

Standing alone, steppe and sky covered, the cathedral still invites travelers to witness history carve in stone.