XIV AD - Syunik Region

"Kotrats Caravanserai - General View" © 2000 Raffi Kojian, All Rights Reserved

From the Sisian-Goris highway, a signposted road turns S to Harzhis (494 v.), which is perched above the Vorotan Gorge among rolling volcanic uplands. About half way to Harzhis, where the power pylons cross the road, a dirt road leads back NNW to the substantial remains of the "Kotrats Caravansaray,"* built in 1319 by the Orbelian family as a way point on the Silk Road. The Armenian inscription over the door is badly weathered, but a Persian inscription survives above it. There are also standing stones of an early Iron Age cemetery nearby. An Aramaic inscription was found nearby. Beyond Harzhis, a rough dirt road continues SE to Shinuhayr, passing remains of a medieval hamlet on the edge of the gorge. There are castle remains somewhere nearby. Deep inside the gorge below Harzhis is a 13th c. bridge over the Vorotan.  [Paragraph Source: Rediscover Armenia Guide]

"Kotrats Caravanserai - interior view of ruins" © 2000 Raffi Kojian, All Rights Reserved