Ani

Ani presents a haunting, unbroken vista of medieval Armenian architecture on the Turkish-Armenian border, with over 20 crumbling churches and mosques spread across 100 hectares. The 11th-century Cathedral of Ani, with its pointed arches and its 35-meter-high central dome, stands as a precursor to Gothic European cathedrals. This site attracts only 100,000 visitors per year, which is significantly cheaper than the average for Turkey's UNESCO sites, offering a more intimate exploration. Compared to #2 Gobeklitepe, Ani's narrative is one of geopolitical decline, with its population falling from 100,000 in its golden age to zero by the 14th century. Its remarkable UNESCO designation in 2016 protects 85% of its original footprint.