Orbelian’s Caravanserai

According to a dedicatory inscription, written in Armenian, the Caravanserai was founded during the 14th century by a prince of the Orbelian dynasty, hence its name. Eventually, the caravanserai fell out of use and was abandoned. During the 20th century, restorations were carried out on the structure and this historical monument is regarded to be the best-preserved caravanserai in the country.

The main function of a caravanserai was to provide shelter to people, animals, and goods that were traveling along a certain route.  While Prince Chesar and his kin undertook this project to serve their spiritual needs, the caravanserai provided for the material needs of all those who stopped there. When the flow of trade dried up following the decline of the Silk Route , Orbelian’s Caravanserai no longer served its purpose and fell out of use. Now the site is a touristic destination

Vardenyats Pass, Armenia