SacVoyage Travel, Armenian Tour Operator

Home :: Attractions :: Akhtala

Akhtala

The famous Akhtala's fortress, built in the 10th century, while maintaining Kyurik Bagratouni's government. The fortress's northern part is strengthened by overhanging pyramidal walls. Walls, made with huge, basalt, peg like stones, are connected to each other through firm pyramidal, three-storey towers, rising from the both sides of the main entrance.

Inside Akhtala's fortress there is a monastery which consists of 3 churches, a bell-tower, hall and stone made dwellings. The fortress's main church - St.Astvatzatzin (Holy Virgin) (VIIIc.), has a rectangular schemed structure with cruciform vault. From inside walls are covered with frescos, which represent separate chapters of the New and the Old Testament. St.Mariam sitting on the throne is painted in the main absid, and among other saints in the row there is St.Grigory the Еnlightener.