Alaverdi Monastery

Akhmeta, Georgia

Alaverdi Monastery is a Georgian Eastern Orthodox monastery located 25 km from Akhmeta. While parts of the monastery date back to 6th century, the present day cathedral was built in the 11th century by Kvirike III of Kakheti, replacing an older church of St. George.

The monastery was founded by the Assyrian monk Joseph Alaverdeli, who came from Antioch and settled in Alaverdi, then a small village and former pagan religious center dedicated to the Moon. At a height of over 55 m, Alaverdi Cathedral was the tallest religious building in Georgia, until the construction of the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, which was consecrated in 2004.

The monastery is the focus of the annual religious celebration Alaverdoba. Situated in the heart of the world's oldest wine region, the monks also make their own wine, known as Alaverdi Monastery Cellar.

References:

Wikipedia

Address

Zemo Khodasheni-Alaverdi-Kvemo Alvani, Akhmeta, Georgia

See all sites in Akhmeta

Details

Founded: 6th century AD
Category: Religious sites in Georgia

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.9/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Gremi Castle (23,6 km)
Nekresi Church (33 km)
Ikalto Monastery (10,6 km)
Keselo Castle Ruins (43,8 km)
Kvetera Church (23,1 km)
Kvelatsminda Church (48,6 km)

User Reviews

Chicco Moni (3 years ago)
Aftera long straight path by car, the Alaverdi Monsatery will show to you and you can say simply "Woauuuuu". Fantastic place, one of the most beautiful monastery complex.

Turin Piat (3 years ago)
Stunning place to not be missed during your holiday in Georgia. Amazing place.

Konstantine Khajalia (3 years ago)
One of the main Orthodox churches in Georgia, beautiful ?? must see

Tornike Asatiani (3 years ago)
Great café at the entrance of the monastery with a fantastic local diary products

Vakhtang Gloveli (3 years ago)
One of the most important medieval monument and the highest cathedral(up to 50m) in Georgia, built in 11th century. There is a matsoni cafe, winery cellar and beekeeper farm.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Timeless Treasures of Wales

Gothic Cathedrals of Belgium

Migthy Cathar Castles

Photo from Flickr, copyright Robert Anders

Historic Site of the week

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone theatre structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens. It was built in 161 AD by the Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. It was originally a steep-sloped theater with a three-story stone front wall and a wooden roof made of expensive cedar of Lebanon timber. It was used as a venue for music concerts with a capacity of 5,000. It lasted intact until it was destroyed and left in ruins by the Heruli in 267 AD.

The audience stands and the orchestra (stage) were restored using Pentelic marble in the 1950s. Since then it has been the main venue of the Athens Festival, which runs from May through October each year, featuring a variety of acclaimed Greek as well as International performances.