The Alaverdi Monastery, located in the picturesque Kakheti region of Georgia, features the magnificent Cathedral of Saint George, which ranks as the second tallest church in the country, surpassed only by the Tbilisi Cathedral of Sameba. Visitors often find themselves confused by the name of the complex, as there is also a city named Alaverdi in Armenia, home to the Sanahin Monastery, which is similarly referred to as Alaverdi.
There are ongoing debates regarding the etymology of the name “Alaverdi.” One theory suggests it derives from the phrase “Alla Verdi,” meaning “God has given,” though this interpretation is frequently challenged due to the fact that the church has never been a Muslim site. Another theory posits that the name comes from the Alva-Khvard plain, where the monastery is situated.
The construction of this majestic complex began in the 6th century when Joseph of Alaverdi, the founder of Georgian monasticism, established a small church dedicated to Saint George on the site. Over time, the area became inhabited by monks, leading to the emergence of the Alaverdi Monastery itself. In the 11th century, under the directive of King Kvirike III of Kakheti, a grand cathedral was erected on the monastery grounds, which continues to astonish visitors with its impressive scale. Standing at approximately 50 meters tall, it is the tallest ecclesiastical structure in Georgia and has long been regarded as a spiritual and cultural center for the region. The monastery’s library once housed hundreds of valuable manuscripts, documents, and books meticulously copied by monks. Notably, from the 17th to 18th centuries, the monastic cells were occupied not by men but by women of royal lineage who chose to take vows and dedicate their lives to serving God.
The Alaverdi complex has endured numerous hardships throughout its long history, suffering attacks and damage from earthquakes. It was restored in the 15th century by King Alexander I of Georgia, only to be severely damaged by a powerful earthquake in 1530. Eighty-four years later, the area fell under the control of Shah Abbas, forcing King Teimuraz I to flee to Imereti with the monastery’s icons. Subsequently, the Persians settled Turkic tribes in the area, leading to the monastery’s abandonment and decline. In the 1700s, the church suffered further damage from a raid by the Lezgins and later from another earthquake. Following Georgia’s annexation by the Russian Empire, the monastery’s diocese faced instability, and by 1929, it was completely dissolved.
However, credit must be given to the medieval and modern restoration craftsmen whose talents have allowed the monastery to remain largely unchanged, preserving its original form to this day.
Today, the Cathedral of Saint George stands as a striking example of Georgian medieval architecture. While its exterior is somewhat austere, the interior is lavishly adorned with fascinating frescoes and paintings depicting the lives of saints. Speaking of saints, the grounds of Alaverdi house the tombs of Saint Joseph of Alaverdi, the founder of monasticism, and the great martyr Ketevan, the wife of Prince David. The tombs of the Kakhetian kings, Alexander I and Giorgi II, known as “the Evil,” are also located here.
Surrounded by imposing fortress walls, the complex includes the cathedral, a male monastery, three-story chambers, a wine cellar, a bathhouse, and monk cells. Noteworthy are the monastery’s own vineyards and apiaries, where local monks tend to their work at a leisurely pace. Visitors can observe their daily lives during a visit to the complex. Though the monks maintain a humble demeanor and largely ignore tourists, they are more than willing to answer any questions regarding Alaverdi.
Despite enduring multiple destructions, the main sanctuary of the complex—the Cathedral of Saint George—has retained its original outline. However, only one of the galleries that once surrounded the cathedral on three sides remains. With the destruction of the galleries, the tombs of the Kakhetian kings were also lost.
The architecture of the temple is of great interest to architects and art historians alike, designed in the form of a triconch—a symmetrical cross with rounded northern and southern apses. The choir of the cathedral is fashioned as a narrow balcony, and a staircase is attached to one of the walls. Inside the temple, visitors can admire ancient frescoes dating back to the 15th century, while a portion of the robust fortress wall remains intact outside.
The height of the Cathedral of Saint George reaches 50 meters, with 42 meters comprising the internal space. Currently, the monastery operates as a male monastery, which entails adherence to certain rules when visiting the complex.
Visitors can explore the Alaverdi Monastery in Kakheti free of charge from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM. Guests are welcome to tour the Cathedral of Saint George and the other buildings within the complex, provided they adhere to a dress code: women should wear long skirts and cover their shoulders and heads, while men should don long pants and long-sleeved shirts. It is advisable to prepare appropriate attire in advance, although clothing can be rented at the entrance.
As the most revered site in the region, Alaverdi has long been a destination for genuine pilgrimage. Each year, at the end of August and the beginning of September, a significant number of believers flock here to celebrate Alaverdoba —a religious holiday that also coincides with a famous festival dedicated to the monastery’s exquisite wine.
In addition to the church, the Alaverdi Monastery complex is renowned for its vineyards and apiaries. Visitors can purchase delicious local wines and fresh honey from the monastery’s shop, conveniently located opposite the entrance, near the parking area and café. Seasoned tourists also recommend dining at the local restaurant “House of Matsoni,” where they serve an unusual ice cream made from this traditional fermented milk drink.