Ikalto

Ikalto stands as one of the earliest monasteries in Georgia, founded in the mid-6th century. However, little remains from that era, with the existing structures dating back no earlier than the 8th century. Visitors today can explore the remnants of three churches—the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Church of the Holy Trinity, and the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary—alongside various utility buildings and the ruins of the ancient academy.

The Academy of Ikalto trained its students in theology, rhetoric, astronomy, philosophy, geography, geometry chanting but also more practical skills such as pottery making, metal work, viticulture and wine making and pharmacology.

The illustrious academy of Ikalto is particularly renowned for being the place where Shota Rustaveli, the celebrated Georgian poet of the 12th century, once studied. This academy is part of the St. Xenon monastic complex, located just 8 kilometers from Telavi. In addition to Ikalto, the complex founded by St. Xenon of Ikalto includes several smaller churches: Sameba (dating back to the 6th century), Perisuvaleba (from the 8th to 9th centuries), and Khvitmshobeli (from the 9th century). All of these structures underwent restoration in the 19th century. One of the churches houses the relics of St. Xenon of Ikalto, while the academy building, constructed in the 12th century, is the most recent addition to the complex. Today, only fragments of this once-great institution can be seen on the hillside adjacent to the road. The academy, which faced destruction at the hands of Shah Abbas I’s forces in 1616, was originally established by David the Builder and served as a vital cultural and educational center for Georgia.

The Ikalto Monastery is one of the earliest in Georgia and arguably the first in the region of Kakheti. It was established by one of the Assyrian fathers, Zenon of Ikalto (ზენონი იყალთოელი), sometime after the mid-6th century. Unfortunately, no structures from that period have survived. The existing churches were built no earlier than the 8th century, suggesting a possible link to the emergence of the independent Kingdom of Kakheti during those centuries. During this time, wine presses and storage facilities for wine were constructed on the monastery’s grounds, some of which still exist today.

In the 12th century, under King David the Builder, the Church of the Assumption was constructed, and the academy’s building was added. This academy is historically significant for being the educational institution attended by Shota Rustaveli. In honor of this connection, a local festival known as Shotaoba is celebrated here each November during the weekends.

However, in 1616, during the infamous invasion, Shah Abbas set fire to the academy, marking a tragic end to its legacy. From that point on, the monastery nearly ceased to exist, with restoration efforts only commencing in the 19th century.

The monastery is situated approximately 10 kilometers from the center of Telavi. If you are traveling from Telavi towards Akhmeta, you will first pass through the suburb of Vardisubani, followed by the village of Ruispiri, and then reach Ikalto. The turnoff is well-marked. From there, it’s a short 1,800-meter walk uphill along the river. The path is easy to find and not too long, leading you through beautiful scenery.

Surrounding the monastery, numerous later burials are hidden among the bushes, including graves from the Soviet era. If you explore the underbrush nearby, you may even uncover some dilapidated churches.