Kervansaray

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The Church of the Holy Apostles (Arak Elots Kilisesi) dates from 1031, but after the Seljuks took the city in 1064 they added a gateway with a fine dome and used the building as a caravanserai – hence its name today.

The ruins preserve some decorative carvings, porthole windows, diagonally intersecting arches in the nave, and ceilings sporting geometric patterns of polychromatic stone inlays.

Look also for the various Armenian inscriptions and the khatchkar (cross stone) carved on a rectangular background.

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Nearby attractions

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2. Ebu'l Muammeran Camii

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3. Church of Grigor Pahlavuny

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A well-preserved central landmark in the heart of the Ani plateau, this rotunda-shaped church with a conical roof was built in about 980 for the wealthy…

4. Church of Gagkashen

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5. Ani Cathedral

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6. Cave Church

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7. Manuçehr Camii

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8. Arslan Kapısı

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Just inside the Ani ruins is the sturdy Arslan Kapısı (or Aslan Kapısı – Lion Gate). Depending on which guide you believe, it was named after Alp Arslan,…

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