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ALAVERDI MONASTERY

Abbey – Monastery – Convent
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Alaverdi, Alaverdi, Georgia
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2024
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2024

Beautiful monastic complex in the heart of the wine-growing plain, housing a Georgian cathedral with a 50 m high bell tower.

It is called "Allah Verdi", the "gift of God" in the ancient Persian language. In the Middle Ages, the monastery marked the limit of the Christian world. Beyond that was the beginning of the land of Islam, having influenced its name. You will see the monastery from afar: for more than a thousand years, its 50-metre-high bell tower dominated the horizon. In the heart of the wine-growing plain, the Alazani River, surrounded by hills streaked with vineyards and the Caucasus mountains, protected by its high ramparts, the monastic complex is one of the most beautiful religious monuments in Georgia. St. George of Alaverdi is one of the three great Georgian cathedrals of the 11th century, along with Svetitskhoveli in Mtskheta and Bagrati in Kutaisi, one of the three symbolic pillars of Georgian history.

Try to visit the site in September during the Alaverdoba Festival. It takes place a few days at the end of September. The 28th of the month marks the feast of St. Joseph of Alaverdi, one of the thirteen Assyrian fathers and the founder of the original church in the 6th century. Originally the festival lasted three weeks, dedicated to worship and the cycles of the Moon. It is an excellent example of religious syncretism. Azeris, Lezgin, Avars, Chechen Kists or Kurds of the Muslim faith regularly take part in it.

The Cathedral of St George of Alaverdi was built by the King of Kakhetia Kviriké in the 11th century, on the site of the pre-existing monastery, founded in the 6th century. It was damaged by earthquakes; then in the 19th century the Russians painted the interior walls to erase the Georgian frescoes, which were partly restored in 1966. Past the imposing ramparts, you will walk along the vineyards. The monks still produce wine, perpetuating the tradition born at the foundation of the monastery.

The entire monastery is fortified. The cathedral has a cross plan, with three apses inscribed in a rectangle. Its exterior decoration is minimal, like that of most of the buildings in Kakhetia, but its proportions are of an astonishing classical harmony. The interior is very spacious and majestic. The dome has 16 windows that radiate light and accentuate the impression of space. Among the frescoes, the most famous is that of St. George Slaying the Dragon, above the western portico, but the oldest is the Virgin and Child above the altar.

Alaverdi is a candidate to UNESCO to be under its World Heritage protection. The place is now a monastery; the monks will let you visit, but please be as discreet as possible.


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