Ptghnavank

Ptghnavank or Ptghni Temple, a Christian church in the settlement of Ptghni, Kotayk Region, Armenia, one of the most remarkable monuments of early medieval Armenian architecture. The monastery is currently in a half-ruined state, only the northern wall, the eastern part of the southern wall and the eastern dome-bearing arch have been preserved. It belongs to church structures of the domed hall type, being the earliest and best sample of that type. It was built at the end of the 6th century and the beginning of the 7th century (the exact date is not known). It is 15.7 meters wide and 30.4 meters long, the dimensions of the prayer hall are 10.3 meters wide and 23.8 meters wide. In the center of the lower part of the completely preserved northern facade, there is a porch under an arched, two-sloped roof. A little higher, on the right and left sides, there are three single-shaped and one-dimensional windows crowned with arches. The decorative motifs of Makaraunker are diverse, with geometric, plant, as well as bas-reliefs containing images of people, animals and birds.

The arch of the preserved window on the south facade is also covered with bas-reliefs, which are unique examples of early medieval Armenian art. The Mother of God, Christ, the apostles are depicted. There are sculptures of a secular content, named after the mentioned Manuel Amatuni (with the inscription "Manuegh Amatuneats Der"), a rider shooting an arrow at an already wounded beast. To the right of Manuel Amatun's sculpture is a man fighting with a lion with a spear, who can probably be identified with Manuel Amatun's son, Sahak Amatuni.

Photo By: Cosmo Deus