Frescoes of the church of Akhtala Monastery

The Armenian monastery of Akhtala dates from the 10th century. It stands on a small plateau in the gorge of the Debed River. Its architectural style is Armenian. The interior of the church is entirely painted: the walls are richly decorated with highly accomplished frescoes showing scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

The photograph shows the altar apse of the church. In the semi-dome and on the walls, saints with haloes are depicted in rows, and in the lower row figures in robes decorated with crosses. Two clergymen in liturgical vestments stand before the altar, and a carpet is spread on the floor.