ANI

Present day Ani is desolate, deserted and a huge field of ruined churches amid, in June, a field of wild flowers of every color. It reached its zenith in the 5th century when the capital of Armenia was transferred from Kars to Ani and for hundreds of years it rivalled Constantinople in importance and beauty. It showcased the incredible work of Armenian architects and stone carvers. In the mid 11th century the Byzantine Empire controlled it and weakened it for an attack by the Seljuk's. After the fall of the Seljuk's, the Mongols came and did their part in the 13th century. A devastating earthquake in 1319 finished off Ani and the city and its surrounding area became abandoned and forgotten.
The vast boundary walls dates back to the late 10th century, with numerous towers and it is where we enter through a ticket kiosk. It's 5TL per person to enter, there are no guides unless you bring one with you. You just wander along marked trails, with your own map, try to identify each ruin. There are no shops either, so you have to bring your own food and water. You can take as long as you want inside the enclosed area. It was a beautiful June morning and the whole place was just blanketed with wild flowers. It is so beautiful. The taxis and buses are parked just outside the gate and the driver of the vehicle who brought you sits and wait for you and your group.