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Orbelian Caravanserai: A Silk Road Stopover

Step back in time at Armenia's best-preserved Silk Road caravanserai, built in 1332, offering a unique glimpse into medieval travel and trade.

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The Orbelian Caravanserai, also known as Selim Caravanserai, is a well-preserved medieval inn built in 1332 by Prince Chesar Orbelian. Located along the Vardenyats Mountain Pass, it provided shelter for weary travelers and their animals traversing the historic Silk Road. Today, it stands as a unique example of 14th-century Armenian architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

A brief summary to Orbelian Caravanserai

  • 11 Yerevanyan Hwy, Yeghegnadzor, 3601, AM
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the stone structure and surrounding area.
  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architecture and views.
  • Bring a jacket, as the high altitude can make it chilly, even in summer.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby attractions in the Vayots Dzor region, such as Noravank Monastery or the Smbataberd Fortress.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Yeghegnadzor, follow Yerevanyan Highway towards the Vardenyats Mountain Pass. The caravanserai is located approximately 26 km from Yeghegnadzor on the right side of the road. Parking is available near the site.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Yeghegnadzor. A taxi ride to Orbelian Caravanserai will cost approximately 3,720 AMD to 4,320 AMD, based on a rate of 600 AMD base fare plus 120 AMD per kilometer. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

  • Public Transport

    Take a marshrutka (minibus) from the Yeghegnadzor bus station towards destinations north of the Selim Pass. Ask the driver to stop at the Orbelian Caravanserai. The marshrutka fare is around 100 AMD. From the highway, there is a short walk to the caravanserai.

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Discover more about Orbelian Caravanserai

Perched at 2,410 meters (7,910 feet) above sea level in the Vayots Dzor Province, the Orbelian Caravanserai is Armenia's best-preserved caravanserai. Built in 1332 by Prince Chesar Orbelian of the influential Orbelian Dynasty, this historic structure served as a vital rest stop for travelers and their animals along the Vardenyats Mountain Pass, a key route on the Silk Road. Constructed from basalt blocks, the caravanserai features a single hall divided into three naves, supported by seven pairs of polyhedral pillars. Animals rested in the narrow aisles, with stone troughs providing food and water. Travelers found refuge in separate rooms. Light and air filtered through oculi in the vaulted ceilings. The entrance vestibule showcases the only ornamentation, including reliefs of a winged creature and a bull. For centuries, the Orbelian Caravanserai facilitated trade and cultural exchange between Europe and the East. Destroyed in the 15th or 16th century, it remained in ruins until its reconstruction in the 1950s. Today, visitors can explore this invaluable link to caravanserai history and imagine the bustling scene of merchants and travelers seeking respite within its walls.

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