Shavnabada Monastery

Shavnabada Monastery is a men’s monastery perched on the summit of a mountain bearing the same name—Shavnabada—located southeast of Tbilisi. The origins of this sacred site trace back to the early Middle Ages, with the main church constructed in the 12th century. In the 17th century, the monastery underwent a significant reconstruction, and two centuries later, the complex expanded with the addition of a second church and a belfry tower. Today, the monastery grounds house not only these ecclesiastical structures and the monks’ living quarters, but also a winery, a bakery, and an icon painting school. It is also home to the residence of the Catholicos of Georgia, Ilia II, a figure held in deep reverence by the Georgian Orthodox faithful.

The name “Shavnabada” derives from two Georgian words—“shavi” (შავი), meaning black, and “nabadi” (ნაბადი), meaning cloak. This evocative phrase is rooted in a Georgian legend that has been passed down for over two centuries.

The story is set against a backdrop of real historical tragedy. In 1795, the Persian Khan Agha Mohammad launched a brutal campaign across the lands of Georgia and its neighboring states. His armies wrought unimaginable destruction—villages and towns were reduced to ashes, countless people were slain, and survivors were either taken captive or left in mourning. It was during the pillaging of Tbilisi, as the legend goes, that a mysterious horseman cloaked in black began to appear at the Persian camp each night. He struck down everyone in his path with terrifying swiftness and vowed that his vengeance would continue until the invaders left the city. Though the khan and his warriors tried relentlessly to catch the enigmatic rider, they failed. Eventually, the shaken Persian army retreated. Among the Georgian people, it was widely believed that the black-cloaked horseman was none other than Saint George, the divine protector of Georgia.

One of the focal points of the monastery complex is the Church of Saint George. The interior of the church is a testament to spiritual serenity and refined beauty—its frescoes and icons grace the walls with reverence, without resorting to ostentation. The ambiance within the sanctuary is one of peace and quiet elevation, encouraging contemplation and calm among those who enter. Among the most venerated icons here is an image of Saint Nino, holding a cross woven from grapevine—a powerful symbol of Georgian Christianity.

The monastery is also known for its own wine production, which began in 1998. Shavnabada’s wines have gained popularity across Georgia and beyond, especially its Saperavi—a dry red wine—and Rkatsiteli, an amber wine crafted using traditional clay vessels called qvevri, a hallmark of ancient Georgian winemaking.

Access to the monastery is limited to private transportation, as public buses and minibuses do not service the route. However, Shavnabada lies just outside the outskirts of Tbilisi, and the scenic drive from the city center to the mountaintop usually takes no more than thirty minutes.