The Selim caravanserai is located on the eastern slope of the Selim Pass, on the mountain road between Lake Sevan and the small town of Yeghegnadzor. The height of the pass reaches 2410 meters. Previously, one of the routes of the Great Silk Road passed here, and a caravanserai was erected for overnight accommodation and rest of travelers.
The Selim caravanserai was built in 1332 by Prince Cesare Orbelian. The building of the caravanserai is of historical and architectural value. It gives an idea of what hotels looked like, where merchants and travelers could stay in the Middle Ages. Bas-reliefs have been preserved above the entrance, one of еруь (the ox) is the coat of arms of the Orbelians.
The Selim caravanserai is built of hewn basalt blocks. The main room has three naves. At the end of the hall there is a room for people to sleep, and most of the hall was intended for animals. The length of the caravanserai reaches 36 meters, and the area is 300 m2.
You can visit the Selim Caravanserai only in the period from May to November. In winter, the pass is impassable due to snow and strong winds. Tourists who travel from Lake Sevan to the south of Armenia, to Goris or Jermuk, usually stop here.
