Nestled in the picturesque Shida Kartli Region near Gori, Kintsvisi Monastery is an Orthodox sanctuary renowned for its breathtaking frescoes and distinctive architectural style. This historic monastery thrived as an active religious site for nearly a millennium, from the 10th to the 19th centuries. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, monastic life was revitalized, breathing new life into this serene hermitage.
The Kintsvisi Monastery complex features a bell tower and three notable churches: the Church of the Virgin Mary, St. George Church, and St. Nicholas Church.
The oldest structure within the Kintsvisi Monastery is the Church of the Virgin Mary, believed to have been constructed in the 10th century. This church is particularly celebrated for its remarkable fresco depicting the Hodegetria and the Communion of the Apostles. While it is thought that all four walls of the church were once adorned with similar vibrant artwork, centuries of decay and partial structural collapse have diminished much of its original splendor.
Adjacent to the larger St. Nicholas Church, St. George Church is a charming chapel built during the late Middle Ages. This small yet significant structure features a hall constructed from intricately chiseled stone blocks of varying sizes, complemented by window arches elegantly overlaid with brick. The apse of the church is notable for its irregular shape, seamlessly integrating with the sanctuary halls, creating a harmonious architectural flow.
The youngest and most prominent cathedral within the Kintsvisi Monastery, St. Nicholas Church was erected in the 13th century during the peak of the Georgian Golden Age. Unlike many of its contemporaries, this church was built using brick, resulting in a façade that lacks the traditional carvings typical of Georgian churches. Instead, it is characterized by two distinctive pillars and entrances on three sides, giving it a unique appearance.
What truly sets St. Nicholas Church apart is its stunning 13th-century murals, which adorn the interior and are considered some of the finest examples of medieval Georgian art.
The earliest frescoes within St. Nicholas Church are masterpieces from the 13th century, attributed to Anton Gnolistavisdze, a feudal lord who served in the Georgian Royal Court under King Giorgi III and Queen Tamar, who later appointed him as bishop of Samtavisi Cathedral. Inside the church, visitors can find a portrait of Gnolistavisdze alongside damaged depictions of St. Nicholas, St. Nino, and other revered Georgian Orthodox saints. Additionally, unique portrayals of Georgia’s rulers, including Giorgi III (1156–1184), Queen Tamar (1184–1213), and Giorgi IV Lasha (1213–1222), grace the walls. Above their portraits, an angelic figure known as the “Kintsvisi Archangel” symbolizes the essence of medieval Georgian artistry. These frescoes are particularly valued for their vibrant hues, created using lapis lazuli, a rare and precious material at the time.
The western walls of St. Nicholas Church were not adorned until the 15th to 17th centuries, featuring a grand illustration of the Day of Judgment and a portrait of Zaza Panaskerteli, a notable 15th-century prince and the first recorded physician in Georgia, renowned for his medical treatise, Karabadini. Panaskerteli is also credited with the renovation of Kintsvisi Monastery during his lifetime.
Perched on a hill within the stunning Dzama Gorge, Kintsvisi Monastery is well worth the hour-long drive from Gori. Its breathtaking scenery and remote medieval churches offer beauty throughout the year, but the vibrant autumn foliage is particularly enchanting. The area also boasts hiking opportunities, with trails that lead through lush forests to the tranquil Bateti Lake.