Connecting Ani and Dvin, the two great cities of Armenian antiquity, a road wound through fertile fields and volcanic plains. Countless people with their livestock and goods, locals and foreigners, traversed this road for hundreds of years. To take advantage of the influx of travelers, historic inns were constructed along these routes, known as caravanserais. One such example, know as the Aruch Caravanserai, lies right off the highway connecting the two largest cities of modern Armenia, which follows roughly the same ancient route.

Dating to the 13th century, this caravanserai must have been a significant and popular resting place due to its size and continued use. Even though in partial ruins today, many features can be made out, including the central area where the animals could be kept flanked by the numerous rooms. The orange tuff, a common used material for construction in the region, contrasts beautifully with the green grass and open fields. A visit today is still enjoyable, and most likely will be the only around, besides the cars zooming on by the nearby highway.