Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Ani

Kars, Turkey

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST RUINS & SITES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 67 2026
Ani

Medieval city ruins on a plateau above the Arpaçay River, on the Turkey-Armenia border near Kars. Visitors walk past walls, churches, a cathedral, mosques and palace remains spread across grassy, unpaved ground.

Highlights

  • Ani Cathedral
  • Menüçehr Mosque
  • Tigran Honents Church

Good to know

  • Museum Pass or Museum Card accepted
  • Golf carts or shuttles about 300 TL per person
  • Allow 2-3 hours; bring water and a hat

Also in Turkey

  1. Temple of Apollo at Didyma N° 56 Temple of Apollo at Didyma Didim Temple site
  2. Aizanoi N° 58 Aizanoi Çavdarhisar Ancient city
  3. Olympos N° 60 Olympos Kumluca Ancient city
  4. Mount Nemrut N° 63 Mount Nemrut Kahta Pyramid or tomb
  5. Phaselis N° 64 Phaselis Kemer Ancient city
  6. Sardis N° 70 Sardis Salihli Ancient city