Akhtala Monastery — Fortress Copper Mining Fresco Manor

Why it mattersKey Kyurikian branch of Bagratid (David Gareji) with Georgian Chalcedonian fresco after 1220 temple-complex with stratified sequence and regional typology.

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

Built

1188 church Surb Astvatsatsin Pghndzahank by Mariam Kyurikian

Period

Bagratid Kyurikian (10th c. fortress Pghndzahank Prince Gurgen 1188 church; fresco 1205–16 Byzantine; Armenian-Georgian)

Culture

Kyurikian branch of Bagratid (David Gareji) with Georgian Chalcedonian fresco after 1220

Purpose

Fortress monastery on Cu outcrop over 18th-c copper mine town — famous 13th-c Byzantine frescoes (1205–1276) with donor Peter's portrait and copper fortress

Rediscovered

Modern excavation 1902

Excavation

Partially excavated

1. 1990 excavation

   Modern rediscovery and scientific excavation of Akhtala Monastery — Fortress Copper Mining Fresco Manor

2. c. 800 CE major extension

   Major expansion / refurbishment at Akhtala Monastery — Fortress Copper Mining Fresco Manor

• Akhtala Monastery — Fortress Copper Mining Fresco Manor — Principal Temple

  temple

  temple at Akhtala Monastery — Fortress Copper Mining Fresco Manor — outlier feature

  41.1516° N · 44.7622° E

• Akhtala Monastery — Fortress Copper Mining Fresco Manor — Northern Altar

  altar

  altar at Akhtala Monastery — Fortress Copper Mining Fresco Manor — outlier feature

  41.1497° N · 44.7655° E

• Akhtala Monastery — Fortress Copper Mining Fresco Manor — Southern Shrine

  shrine

  shrine at Akhtala Monastery — Fortress Copper Mining Fresco Manor — outlier feature

  41.1509° N · 44.7632° E