Kars

Kars, situated over 5,000 feet above sea level, is one of the coldest places in Turkey in the winter. The fortress, which was used from the time of the Urartians up to the more recent Russians, gives a great panoramic view of the town and surrounding areas.

The Cathedral of the Holy Apostles built in 937 A.D. was originally used as a church. However, after the Ottoman Era it was used as a mosque. The 15th century stone bridge, Tas Kopru, is also interesting. The Kars Museum houses artifacts mainly from nearby Ani.

The main reason to visit Kars is to head east and see the medieval metropolis of Ani. It is one of the most interesting sites in Eastern Turkey. At its peak, the city is said to have had close to 100,000 people living there. Ani’s golden age came during the reign of Gagik I (989 – 1020), when it rivaled Constantinople in fame. Many churches and civic buildings were built. In 1319, an earthquake devastated the city and it was soon abandoned.