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Orbelian's Caravanserai
Orbelian's Caravanserai was built in 1332, by prince Chesar Orbelian for travelers and their animals as they crossed from, or into, the Vayots Dzor province of Armenia. This building is an excellent example of Armenian secular architecture in the Middle Ages, and it was very important for the branches of the silk road which went through this area of Armenia.



![An inscription by the entrance reads: "In the name of the Almighty and powerful God, in the year 1332, in the world-rule of Busaid Khan, I Chesar son of Prince of Princes Liparit and my mother Ana, grandson of Ivane, and my brothers, handsome as lions, the princes Burtel, Smbat and Elikom of the Orbelian nation, and my wife Khorishah daughter of Vardan [and ...] of the Senikarimans, built this spiritual house with our own funds for the salvation of our souls and those of our parents and brothers reposing in Christ, and of my living brothers and sons Sargis, Hovhannes the priest, Kurd and Vardan. We beseech you, passers-by, remember us in Christ. The beginning of the house {took place} in the high-priesthood of Esai, and the end, thanks to his prayers, in the year 1332."](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5963c6_d40663545127417a8e24b3421e4d206f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_355,h_267,q_30/5963c6_d40663545127417a8e24b3421e4d206f~mv2.jpg)












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