Ani is the 12-th capital of Armenia. Ani was situated at the junction of Ani and Akhurian rivers in Shirak province of Ayrarat region of Mets Hayq (Greater Armenia). In 961 the Bagratuni Royal Dynasty moved from Kars to Ani and announced it a capital. Trade relations with many countries of the East and the West turned Ani into a big center of workmanship where metalworking, painting, stone-cutting and other handicrafts largely developed. In 9-13 centuries Ani was a scientific and cultural center with a famous Higher School.

Among remarkable monuments of clerical and civil architecture, which have been preserved and excavated in Ani, are the Mother Temple and the Bridge of Ani, the Gagkashen, the Tigran Honents and many other churches.