Akhtala monastery

Akhtala, Armenia

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

Find out more

Akhtala monastery, also known as Pghindzavank (Coppermine Monastery), is a 10th-century Armenian Apostolic monastery located in the town of Akhtala in Lori province, 185 kilometers north of Yerevan. Built in Armenian architectural style, the monastery served as a major fortress protecting the northwestern regions of Armenia and remains among the most well-preserved monastic complexes in the country. The main church is renowned for its extensive and highly artistic frescoes, rendered in Armenian-Chalcedonian style and covering the interior walls, partitions, and structural bearings. These frescoes were commissioned by the Zakarid ruler Ivane I Zakarian between 1205 and 1216. The monastery is now inactive but retains its status as a cultural heritage monument in Armenia.