Orbelian's Caravanserai

With the development of caravan trade roots in Armenia, caravanserais and inns were built along the large roads. Selim or Orbelian's Caravanserai is one of these constructions. It was built in the 14th century by Chesar Orbelian. It was located on the southern slope of the Vardenyats Mountain Pass, on the road leading from the Gegharkunik Province to Vayots Dzor. Orbelian's Caravanserai was situated on the Great Silk Road which connected East Asia with the Mediterranean. Famous merchant Marco Polo passed along this road and described the lifestyle of Armenians in the hard-to-reach mountains.