The Natlisi-Mtsubeli Monastery stands apart from the Lavra in every conceivable way. Here, buses do not tread, and the road is only navigable by a reliable off-road vehicle. Tourists are a rare sight, making this a truly active monastery where every step must be taken with careful consideration.
To reach this secluded sanctuary, you must turn right at the signpost about five kilometers before the Lavra and continue for another four kilometers. If you arrive by car, you will need to park it near the gates and proceed on foot to the monastery. The complex primarily consists of caves carved into the cliffs (which are generally off-limits), the cave temple of John the Baptist, and a stone tower perched above the rocks. A trail leads to the tower, with access granted through a small cave. Inside the tower, the atmosphere is dim, and bats make their home there. Nearby, there is a passage that descends toward the monastery caves, but not everyone is permitted to use this route.
If you follow the path to the left of the monastery, you will encounter several water catchments and a small cave where the monk Serapion resided several decades ago. He is now buried in the main church, and his cave has become a place of great reverence.
Visiting Natlisi-Mtsubeli offers a unique opportunity to experience the tranquility and spiritual depth of an active monastic life, far removed from the bustling tourist trails. Here, the sacredness of the space is palpable, inviting contemplation and reflection amid the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape.
