# Akhtala Monastery

- **Country:** Armenia
- **Coordinates:** 41.150578, 44.763919
- **Year Built:** 13th century
- **Location Text:** Akhtala

Akhtala Monastery, also historically known as Pghindzavank or the Coppermine Monastery, is a significant cultural heritage monument located in the town of Akhtala within the Lori Province of Armenia. Situated approximately 185 kilometers north of Yerevan and 87 kilometers south of Tbilisi, this religious complex dates back to the 10th century. The site uniquely functions as a triple-purpose structure, serving simultaneously as an Armenian Apostolic monastery, a church, and a formidable fortress. Built in the traditional Armenian architectural style, the fortress was strategically vital for protecting the northwestern regions of historic Armenia, specifically the Gugark province. Today, it stands as one of the most well-preserved fortifications in modern Armenia, although the monastery itself is currently inactive.

The historical significance of Akhtala extends beyond its defensive capabilities to its exceptional artistic heritage. The main church within the compound is renowned for its highly artistic frescoes, which cover the interior walls, partitions, and bearings. These distinctive paintings, executed in a rare Armenian-Chalcedonian style, were commissioned by the Zakarid ruler Ivane I Zakarian between 1205 and 1216. The name Akhtala, first recorded in a royal decree in 1438, is believed to be of Turkic origin meaning white glade, replacing the original Armenian name Pghindzahank. Archaeological findings near the site, including hundreds of stone sepulchers discovered in the late 19th century, indicate human settlement and cultural activity in the area dating as far back as the 8th century BC, adding layers of ancient history to the medieval structure.

![Photo of Akhtala Monastery](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/%D0%90%D1%85%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B0_wiki_07.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akhtala_Monastery (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)