Sapara Monastery, Akhaltsikhe, Georgia

Sapara Monastery has existed from at least the 9th century, and has numbered among its monks many important figures in Georgian ecclesiastical history. At the end of the 13th century Sapara became a possession of the Jakeli family, whose leader, Sargis Jakeli, was adept at staying on good terms with the Mongols, which enabled Samtskhe to enjoy a peace unusual for the time. When he grew old, Sargis took monastic orders and changed his name to Saba. His son Beka built the largest of the 12 churches here, St Saba's Church, named after the saint whose name his father had adopted, one of the most architecturally important churches of its time. The 14th-century frescoes inside are of high quality.

From the end of the 16th century until the beginning of the 17th century the Sapara Monastery became empty due to the expansion of Turkish policy into Samtskhe and during this process the monastery's icons and other treasures were taken to more protected areas of Georgia.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

otar chochua (2 years ago)
Most beutefull place in the world

Giorgi Kiknavelidze (2 years ago)
It has existed from at least the 9th century, and has numbered among its monks many important figures in Georgian ecclesiastical history. At the end of the 13th century Sapara became a possession of the Jakeli family, whose leader, Sargis Jakeli, was adept at staying on good terms with the Mongols, which enabled Samtskhe to enjoy a peace unusual for the time. When he grew old, Sargis took monastic orders and changed his name to Saba. His son Beka built the largest of the 12 churches here, St Saba's Church, named after the saint whose name his father had adopted, one of the most architecturally important churches of its time. The 14th-century frescoes inside are of high quality.

Keti Gogeliani (3 years ago)
Completely and utterly amazing, breathtaking, pretty, fairy place. The Church is like someone from above put it into this place, amoung beautiful trees. Very calm, peaceful place. The road to the Sapara Monastery is ideal! Blessed place with nature beauty around ❤

Martin Nilson (3 years ago)
Nice views if you have some time to kill.

Doris Cahill (3 years ago)
A nail biting ride to the top on snowy roads, nice to have guard rails. Spiritual Bliss and beauty. Women must dress appropriately and veils are available.

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The Kalozha church of Saints Boris and Gleb is the oldest extant structure in Hrodna. It is the only surviving monument of ancient Black Ruthenian architecture, distinguished from other Orthodox churches by prolific use of polychrome faceted stones of blue, green or red tint which could be arranged to form crosses or other figures on the wall.

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In 2004, the church was included in the Tentative List of UNESCO"s World Heritage Sites.

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