The architectural complex of Akhtala combines both a more than 1000-year-old fortress and a monastery built two centuries later. It represents a fusion of several architectural traditions – Armenian, Georgian and Byzantine. The main church is decorated with well-preserved murals. One of the murals depicts the Holy Communion with Jesus Christ portrayed twice – looking to his right and to his left, thus none of his disciples remains unattended.
In the Middle Ages, Akhtala was the largest Chalcedonian monastery in Northern Armenia. It continued to remain an important center of Chalcedonian faith later on. In the 19th century, the Russian Emperor Alexander I proclaimed the monastery the center of Greek Orthodox Church in Transcaucasia.
For PWD
The premises of the Monastery are accessible for self-visit. However, at the entrance there are three wide stairs up (each one is 10-cm high). We recommend to visit with a friend or helper using a ramp.
