This is one of a small set of pictures from an earlier visit, some ten years earlier or so, when visiting Ani was more difficult. You had to get permission in advance since it was in a military zone.

An impressive wall protects the city at the one side where nature does not take care of its defences with the Arpa Çayi river and its tributary Alaca Suyu. The city flourished in the tenth century but had been in existence for a millennium before that. The wall was erected under Smbat II (977-990) and strengthened later by Georgian and Selçuk rulers.

This picture was taken from a nearby gas station cum teahouse. Over the walls we see the large cathedral.