Akhtala was built in the late tenth century by the Kiurikids,a branch of the Bagratunis dynasty.It is about 185 km or 2.5-3 hours from Yerevan.The dynasty began with Gurgen,who was a son of king Ashot III the Merciful and Queen Khosrovanush, patrons of nearby Sanahin and Haghpat monasteries. Gurgen’s brothers were King Smbat II (the Conqueror) and Gagik I Bagratuni, under whom the Bagratuni Kingdom of Armenia reached the peak of its prosperity.Read More »
Անժելա Շամոյան 