Ani Turkey Travel Guide A Vagabond Life
Ani Turkey Travel Guide – Ani Turkey is a UNESCO listed site in far Eastern Turkey. Set on a vast empty plain Ani was the capital of Armenia and once rivalled Constantinople in power and importance and was an important stop on the Silk Route.
Once called the city of 1000 churches Ani boasted many churches, palaces, and fortifications that were amongst the most technically and artistically advanced structures in the world.
Ani was sacked by the Mongols in 1236 and then devastated by an earthquake in 1319 from which it never recovered Ani was gradually abandoned and by the 17th century forgotten about.
Ani was re-discovered in the 19th century by travellers with descriptions of the site being published to the outside world.
In 1878 Ani became incorporated into the Russian Transcaucasian Region with excavation and exploration starting in 1892 sponsored by The St Petersburg Academy of Sciences.
During WWI many artefacts were saved by Armenian scientists before Ani was looted by advancing armies. In 1921 orders were given to ‘wipe Ani of the face of the earth” an order which fortunately was not followed.
During the cold war a permit was required to visit Ani as it sat on the Soviet – Turkish border.
Today the Turkish government has committed to rthe restoration of the site.
Ani Turkey Map: Ani Turkey Travel Guide
How To Travel To Ani Turkey: Ani Turkey Travel Guide
How to Get to Ani in Turkey
Ani, often referred to as the “City of 1,001 Churches,” is a remarkable archaeological site located in eastern Turkey, near the border with Armenia. This ancient city, once a thriving medieval metropolis, is now a ghostly ruin that attracts history enthusiasts and adventurous travelers. Here’s a guide on how to get to Ani and explore its fascinating remnants.
By Air
The nearest airport to Ani is Kars Harakani Airport (KSY), located about 45 kilometers from the site. Kars Harakani Airport is small but well-connected to major cities in Turkey, particularly Istanbul and Ankara.
Steps to Reach Ani by Air:
- Book a Flight: Fly to Kars Harakani Airport. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines offer regular flights from Istanbul and Ankara.
- Arrive at Kars: Upon landing, you can reach Kars city center by taxi or shuttle services available at the airport.
- Travel to Ani: From Kars, you can take a taxi or arrange a private transfer to Ani, which takes about 45 minutes.
By Train
For those who enjoy scenic journeys, taking a train to Kars is a delightful option. The Eastern Express (Doğu Ekspresi) is a popular long-distance train route that runs from Ankara to Kars, offering spectacular views of the Turkish countryside.
Steps to Reach Ani by Train:
- Book a Train Ticket: Reserve a seat on the Eastern Express from Ankara to Kars. This journey takes approximately 24 hours.
- Arrive in Kars: The train station in Kars is centrally located, making it easy to reach your accommodation or other transport options.
- Travel to Ani: From Kars, hire a taxi or join a guided tour to visit Ani.
By Road
Traveling to Ani by road offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore the surrounding region. You can rent a car in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, or Erzurum and drive to Kars.
Steps to Reach Ani by Road:
- Rent a Car: Car rentals are available at airports and city centers in Istanbul, Ankara, and Erzurum.
- Drive to Kars: The drive from Istanbul to Kars is approximately 1,300 kilometers and takes around 17 hours. From Ankara, it’s about 1,000 kilometers and takes around 12 hours. The drive from Erzurum is shorter, about 200 kilometers, taking around 3 hours.
- Travel to Ani: From Kars, follow the signs to Ani, which is a 45-minute drive to the southeast.
By Bus
Taking a bus is a cost-effective way to travel to Kars from various cities in Turkey. Many long-distance buses operate routes to Kars.
Steps to Reach Ani by Bus:
- Book a Bus Ticket: Tickets can be purchased online or at bus terminals. Major bus companies like Metro Turizm and Kamil Koç offer services to Kars.
- Arrive in Kars: The bus terminal in Kars is well-connected to the city center.
- Travel to Ani: Hire a taxi or join a tour to visit Ani from Kars.
Additional Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Ani is during the spring and autumn months (April to June and September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant.
- Accommodation: Kars offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to more luxurious stays. Staying in Kars allows you to explore the city and make day trips to Ani.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour to Ani for a more informative experience. Tours can be arranged through local travel agencies in Kars.
Getting to Ani may require some planning, but the journey is well worth it to experience the haunting beauty and historical significance of this ancient city. Whether you choose to fly, take a train, drive, or travel by bus, Ani promises a memorable adventure into Turkey’s rich past.
Things To See & Do In Ani Turkey: Ani Turkey Travel Guide
Manuçehr Camii: Ani Turkey Travel Guide
Built in 1072 by the Seljuk Turks, using Armenian architects and artisans,the Manucehr Cammi is considered to have been the first Turkish mosque in Anatolia.
It has a tall octagonal minaret and six surviving vaults and is fairly well preserved with great views across the river to Armenia.
Ani Cathedral Ani Turkey Travel Guide
Built in 1010 this is the largest surviving building in the Ani complex. Currently being restored the building is surrounded by scaffold however you can go inside and get a sense of the space and soaring interior. The dome fell down centuries ago and now it is a large hole in the roof.
Armenian Church of St. Gregory of Tigran Honents: Ani Turkey Travel Guide
Built in 1215 by a Tigran Honents, it is dedicated to St Gregory the Illuminator. Inside are frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible and Armenian church history.
Church of St Prkitch: Ani Turkey Travel Guide
Sitting in the middle of the Ani plain the Church of St Prkitch is a rotund well preserved church that was the wealthy Pahlavuni family in circa 980AD.
The Church of the Holy Apostles / Kervansaray: Ani Turkey Travel Guide
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.
