Gudarekhi Monastery

Tetritsqaro, Georgia

Gudarekhi village is notable for a nearby monastic complex and archaeological site. It is located in the Algeti Valley, some 8 km of the town Tetritsqaro, south of Georgia’s capital Tbilisi.

A large-scale archaeological research of the area was carried out in 1938 and 1939. It revealed the remnants of a medieval urban settlement with well-developed pottery production. The complex consists of a ruined palace, living premises, a wine cellar, a pilastered building, and several other structures which date from the 12th-13th and 16th-17th centuries.

To the south of the ruined settlement lies the monastery consisting of a single nave church and a free-standing two-storey bell-tower. The church was commissioned from the architect Chichaporisdze in the 13th century. It is built of well hewn stones, with richly incrustated and decorated façades. The church formerly possessed an avidly decorated iconostasis which is now on display at the Art Museum of Georgia in Tbilisi. The bell-tower was erected during the reign of Demetre II of Georgia in 1278. The complex was repaired in 2006.

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Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Religious sites in Georgia

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Eugenio (5 months ago)
A very interesting place - a former ancient city, of which almost nothing remains except ruins. The only thing is what is now commonly called a monastery, although it is not active. The road here is very bad, most likely 3 km from the village of Gudarekhi you will have to walk, as the road is mud and rubble of trees. This is a very little visited place, not a tourist place at all. If you managed to get here, be proud that you visited.
Irakli Kutkhashvili (2 years ago)
It is an amazing temple with ancient inscriptions. Nature is amazing too
ავთანდილ ხანთაძე (3 years ago)
Amazing place with spirit. To get there you need 4X4 car or hike. During the rainy or snow days will be harder to get at the monastery by car.
Nate Allen (3 years ago)
Phenomenal lil monastery in the middle of nowhere ???? The masonry work on this building is absolutely staggering. I have no idea where they even got the stones to build this medium-sized hilltop monastery ?‍♂️ I really enjoyed the ride out here on the motorcycles. Pretty gnarly trails and really epic scenery! Some might say it's the perfect day on a motorcycle ??? If I'm honest I was truly amazed by the different colored stones that made these lovely buildings up. Crazy beautiful ?
Data Gunjua (3 years ago)
The main temple of Gudarekhi is built by the architect Chichaporisdze. Built with well-smoothed frames, the façades are richly carved. Fragments of wall paintings are preserved. The east façade is lined with two triangular niches; Above the window is a large carved cross, and below - carved squares. From the outside, the church had two outbuildings - a gate to the south and an aisle to the north (both are now in ruins). The two-story bell tower was built in 1278 during the reign of Demeter II. This is the earliest dated bell tower in Georgia. The lower floor of the bell tower is open, above is an eight-storey panchayat, and in the middle of them - a parking lot. Fragments of the carved iconostasis of Gudarekhi Church are preserved in the Georgian Art Museum. Gudarekhi Monastery is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Manglisi and Tsalka.
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