The text on the plaque is the caravanserai of the Orbelian princes (1332). In medieval Armenia, in parallel with the development of the caravan trade, roads were expanded and improved, and hotels, caravanserais, hotels, and inns were built on the planned sites. Against the background of such structures, the caravanserai of the ruling princes Orbelian was of particular importance in terms of its geographical location and architectural solutions, which is perhaps the best preserved structure compared to other similar monuments of medieval Armenia. - It is located on the Vardenyats Pass, on the section of the Dvin-Partav road of the Silk Road. The construction time of the caravanserai is attested in two construction protocols. There is an extensive inscription on the facade of the main entrance, from which it becomes clear that in 1332, Prince of Princes Cesare Orbelian and his wife Horishah built this peculiar structure to save the souls of their parents and children. According to the second entry, the time of construction of the caravanserai dates back to 1326-1337, which may correspond to the year of completion of the facade. On the left side of the caravanserai facade, a Lion is carved with a tied tail turned from the back to the head, and a bull is depicted on the right. The caravanserai is built of grey polished basalt and consists of three halls. Interior lighting is provided by three wide slits open in the ceiling of the middle arch. Another arch is located in the lobby or in the first hall. The ceiling of the caravanserai consists of three transverse arches, the middle of which is high and the other two are low. On both sides of the hall there are 8 rectangular columns lined with brick, with an equal distance between them. There are 16 stone boats attached between the pillars, similar to horse stalls. The roof is covered from above with wide, tightly fitting slabs, each of which is up to 2 meters long. The caravanserai was fortified and renovated in 1956-59, and partial excavations were carried out on the territory of the monument in 2012. Great views and a breath of fresh air on a sultry summer day.

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Иджеванатун Орбелянов

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