<\/p>\n
PTGHNAVANQ<\/strong> <\/p>\n This early medieval Armenian architectural monument is situated in Ptghni village, in the center of archaeological spacious area. It was built by Prince Manuel Amatuni in the VI-VII centuries. It has a structure of a domed hall with a pair of pilasters. Only the northern wall, the eastern part of the southern wall and the domed arch of the destroyed temple have been preserved. The temple was lightened by a large number of wide windows. The temple had 3 luxuriously decorated 3 entrances- the northern, the southern and the western. The main literature: \n\t\t
\nKotayk region
\nv. Ptghni
\nstate index 6. 54. 5<\/p>\n
\nPtghavanq is famous for its rich decoration \u2013its ornaments and sculptures with vegetal and geometrical motives. The sculptures are unique- horseback Manuel Amatuni throwing a dart to a lion which is situated in the left- central part of ornamented arch of the southern entrance and the sculpture of Sahak Amatuni fighting against a lion which is situated in the right side. In the center of the southern entrance\u2019s arch the sculpture of the Virgin in medallion with angels from 2 sides, the cornice with the sculpture of jugs and with the sculpture of a lion sitting under a palm tree is also remarkable.
\nThe sculptures of Ptghavanq are one of the valuable and unique creations of the early medieval Armenian architecture.
\nOn the polished stones of the temple a lot of marks of the masters have been preserved.
\nIn 1930-40s the partial restoration works of Ptghavanq have been carried out regularly.<\/p>\n
\nY. Tamanyan, Ptghavanq,Yerevan, 1986.
\nB. Araqelyan, Armenian Sculptures in IV-VII centuries, Yerevan, 1949.
\nS. Mnacakanyan, The temple of Ptghni,HFJ,1973, N2.<\/p>\n