Foundation: 10^th century

Location: Akhtala town, Lori Province

Distance from Yerevan:  185km / 3 hours

Akhtala also known as Pghindzahank (Coppermine Monastery) was built in the late 10^th century by the Kiurikids. After becoming the property of Ivaneh Zakarian (12^th century) who had accepted the Chalcedonian Orthodoxy in the Georgian Court, Akhtala was converted to Orthodoxy. Currently the Monastery is inactive and has its pilgrimage days on September 20–21. Murals of St. Astvatsatsin church are well-preserved and Akhtala is one of the best examples of fresco period of Armenia.

The complex:

• Defensive walls, Tower (13^th century), Gate
• St. Astvatsatsin church, the main building of the complex
• Cells or rooms
• Friary or dining hall
• Baths, storage vat
• Single nave church (13^th century)
• Gavit or narthex
• Chapel (Zakarian sepulcher)