Akhtala Monastery

Foundation: 10th century

Location: Akhtala town, Lori Province

Distance from Yerevan:  185km / 3 hours

Akhtala also known as Pghindzahank (Coppermine Monastery) was built in the late 10th century by the Kiurikids. After becoming the property of Ivaneh Zakarian (12th century) who had accepted the Chalcedonian Orthodoxy in the Georgian Court, Akhtala was converted to Orthodoxy. Currently the Monastery is inactive and has its pilgrimage days on September 20–21. Murals of St. Astvatsatsin church are well-preserved and Akhtala is one of the best examples of fresco period of Armenia.

The complex:

  • Defensive walls, Tower (13th century), Gate
  • St. Astvatsatsin church, the main building of the complex
  • Cells or rooms
  • Friary or dining hall
  • Baths, storage vat
  • Single nave church (13th century)
  • Gavit or narthex
  • Chapel (Zakarian sepulcher)

Leave No Trace

  • Plan ahead & be prepared
  • Dispose the waste properly
  • Leave what you find
  • Minimize campfire impacts
  • Respect the wildlife
  • Be considerate of other visitors

Roads conditions

It is winter time! Check out road conditions before heading to the road! Beware of the snow & ice layer!

Vanadzor - Alaverdi section of the M6 Interstate highway stretching from Yerevan to Georgian border is temporarily closed. You can use Vanadzor-Stepanavan-Odzun-Alaverdi bypassing road.

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