Ptghnavank, Medieval temple in Ptghni, Armenia
Ptghnavank is a temple in the village of Ptghni whose remains date from the 6th or 7th century. The surviving sections include parts of the north wall, remnants of the south wall, and one of the four original dome support arches.
Prince Manuel Amatuni commissioned the temple, which was built as part of early medieval Armenian religious architecture. The structure represents the construction techniques and artistic standards used in the region during that time.
The southern entrance displays intricate stone carvings of Prince Manuel Amatuni hunting a lion on horseback, along with religious figures carved in medallions. These decorative elements reflect the artistic skill valued in the region during that era.
The temple is located in Kotayk Province and reached through the village of Ptghni. Visitors should be prepared for uneven ground and limited signage at the site.
The walls bear marks left by medieval stone masons that reveal how workers organized their labor and shaped stones during construction. These traces provide insight into the practical methods used to build religious structures in this region.
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