Kvatakhevi Monastery

Kavtiskhevi, Georgia

The Kvatakhevi monastic complex is situated near the village Kavtiskhevi at the end of the gorge cut by a stream in the northern slopes of the Trialeti Range, protected on three sides by the steep mountain slopes. It dates to the 12th-13th century, and resembles the monasteries of Betania, Pitareti, and Timotesubani in its architectural form and decoration, reflecting a contemporary canon of a Georgian domed church architecture. The overall plan is nearly a square, with the dome resting upon 2 freely standing pillars and 2 pillars fused with the ledges of the altar. The internal space of the church is formed by the arms of the cross and the dome which surmounts the crossing point.

The building has two portals, one to the south and one to the west. The façades are covered with finely hewn white stone squares. The decoration abounds in fretwork, especially around the windows and the base of the dome; the eastern façade is adorned with a large ornate cross.

Historically, Kvatakhevi was also a literary center where several manuscripts were copied. It also possessed a treasure with many artifacts of medieval Georgian jewelry, a sizeable portion of which was later acquired by and are now on display at the Moscow State Historical Museum.

The monastery was significantly damaged during Timur's invasions of Georgia in the 14th century, but was subsequently repaired, more completely under the patronage of Prince Ivane Tarkhan-Mouravi in 1854. A belfry was added in 1872.

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Kavtiskhevi, Georgia
See all sites in Kavtiskhevi

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Religious sites in Georgia

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.9/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Owen McMullen (3 months ago)
A pretty setting and nice dome. Rather bare interior. Full of people during st. Mary's day bringing their sheep and chickens.
Roma Kekua (3 months ago)
Beautiful nature, fresh air and peace, there is a free parking lot on the right side before the church
Data Vashakmadze (2 years ago)
Roads have been just finished. An amazing Monastery with a story like no other. Close to the capital and the roads are brand new. Everyone should visit it once.
David Sulaberidze (2 years ago)
Its a very nice place, was on a school trip there and i enjoyed going there alot
Irina (3 years ago)
I loved this place. It's very interesting historical monastery. Monks were very friendly, they told us history of the monastery and explained everything about it. Also It's very beautiful, especially in fall. I've visited this monastery in Summer years ago and it's definitely prettier during fall.
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