Discover Ptghni: Ptghnavank and Armenian Relief Art

Ptghni draws attention to Armenian architecture and visual arts. Ptghnavank is an early medieval Armenian architectural monument dating from the 6th to 7th century; its temple is destroyed, but some structural elements have survived. The relief motifs combine central figures with other visual symbols. This cultural and historical perspective is complemented by a wine press discovered in Ptghni, dating from the 12th to 14th century. For travelers who take cultural heritage sites into account when choosing a destination, Ptghni thus offers two clearly distinct historical points of interest.

Ptghnavank: surviving parts of a temple

The north wall, the eastern part of the south wall, and the dome arch have survived from Ptghnavank. The three structural elements are therefore spread across the north side, a limited section in the east of the south wall, and the dome area. This makes the remains of the destroyed temple concrete in architectural terms: the south wall has not survived in its entirety, only its eastern part. If you are planning a visit, check the state of preservation on site.

Figural motifs on the southern entrance arch

Several motifs come together on the southern entrance arch of Ptghnavank. The Virgin is in a medallion, with angels standing on either side. There are also jugs and a lion seated beneath a palm tree. For a closer look, the composition can be divided into central and complementary elements: the medallion with the Virgin and the angels forms the center; the jugs, palm tree, and lion add further accents. This brings out both the central figure and the different motifs within the same depiction.

Manuel and Sahak Amatuni at Ptghavanq

The reliefs at Ptghavanq in Ptghni depict two different scenes involving lions. On the southern entrance arch, Manuel Amatuni is shown on horseback attacking a lion with a javelin. On the right side of the decoration, Sahak Amatuni appears fighting a lion. Their positions and actions help distinguish the two depictions: Manuel is associated with the attack on the entrance arch, while Sahak is associated with the fighting scene on the right. The recurring animal connects the motifs, while the figures, actions, and placements each set them apart.

Floral and geometric ornaments

The ornaments and sculptures at Ptghavanq feature floral and geometric motifs. The decoration can therefore also be viewed in terms of its different forms: alongside the figural depictions of people and lions are floral and geometric patterns. This distinction draws attention not only to figures and actions but also to the ornamental design. Those interested in art can thus distinguish two aspects of the decoration: the narrative scenes and the forms inspired by plants and geometry.

A later archaeological period

A wine press discovered in Ptghni dates from the 12th to 14th century. It adds an archaeological point of interest from a later period to the early medieval architecture of Ptghnavank. Ptghnavank is dated to the 6th to 7th century; the wine press therefore extends the historical perspective by several centuries. The comparison keeps the different heritage sites and their respective dates distinct: an architectural monument on the one hand, an archaeological find on the other. Together, the dates offer a view of more than one historical era.

Discover more destinations: Garni, Dzoraghbyur, Karashamb, Hankavan, Argel, Tsaghkadzor, Meghradzor, Geghadir

For the broader travel overview: Kotayk.