Ani viewpoint & Iron Curtain, Armenia

Ani viewpoint & Iron Curtain - darkometer rating : 4 - Out in this remote location on the western edge of Armenia there is a chance to see some relics of the old actual Iron Curtain , i.e. the border fortifications that served to keep the Eastern Bloc secure from NATO member Turkey (or vice versa?) during the Cold War . Today it is still a heavily guarded border between ancient foes. From a couple of spots you can also gaze across the border to catch a glimpse of the ancient Armenian ruined city of Ani . > More background info > What there is to see > Location > Access and costs > Time required > Combinations with other dark destinations > Combinations with non-dark destinations > Photos More background info: Ani was once the great thriving capital of old Armenia until about a thousand years ago, when it was one of the world's foremost cities, a stronghold of power, riches and architectural splendour. It was one of the western Armenian spots on the legendary Silk Route. Historical changes, shifting powers and economies, a Seljuk Turkish invasion complete with massacres, pillaging and looting, as well as successive earthquakes (and botched contemporary "restoration efforts") have made Ani the city of ruins that it is today, where just a few once magnificent churches as well as the city walls partly stand. It's a magical and eerie site in an almost mystically forlorn (and nearly forgotten) location. But to really see it, you'd have to go to Turkey and wander around the site itself to see it up close – for more on that see under Ani on this website – and, especially if you can't go there yourself, you could also at least take a virtual tour at the aptly named (and highly informative) specialist website virtualani.org.