11 March, 2018 Lori Region 2650 Views

Achtala Monastery

Achtala monastery is located 185 kilometers (114,885 miles) north of Yerevan. Being one of the very few orthodox monasteries in Armenia it was erected in the times of the Armenian Renaissance.
Achtala monastery was built in the late 10th century by the Kyurikids, who by the end of the 12th century starting losing their influence. It’s the period when the Seljuks appeared there. 

Monastery complex 
The fortifications here date to the 10th century, but the main church was built in the first half of the 13th century and is one of the few medieval churches in Armenia to retain most of its original frescoes. These include a stunning Virgin Mary in the apse, and depictions of the Last Supper, Last Judgement, Crucifixion and Resurrection on other walls. Note the fresco of bearded Persians, said to have been painted so that invading armies would spare the church.

When you enter the monastery through the main gate, look left and you’ll see two large caves that were used for smelting copper. Surrounding the church are a well-preserved chapel and a graveyard with old and new headstones – be careful where you walk, as weeds and grass hide dangerous drops into underground structures.
In 1975-1978 the top parts of the walls were repaired. The tin roof was removed. It was replaced by basalt slabs. The main entrance and the pillars were also repaired. There was also a 14th century ramshackle wooden belfry, which was ultimately removed from the yard.
 

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