The church dedicated to Saint George stands on the southeastern edge of Didi Smada, away from the main village street. It is not the only church here with this dedication: a second Saint George church lies about a kilometre away, closer to the centre of the village.
Didi Smada belongs to Adigeni Municipality in the south of Samtskhe-Javakheti, within historical Meskheti. These lands remained under Ottoman rule for a long time and returned to Georgia in the first third of the century before last, so Orthodox churches, Armenian churches and mosques stand side by side across the area. Orchards and pastures surround the village, and wooded slopes begin higher up.
A headscarf is useful for women, as it may be required at the entrance. The site remains part of the everyday life of the area, and that deserves respect.
Tips
- Allow no more than half an hour for the visit.
- Bring water, as there are no kiosks nearby.
- There is no need to touch candles or icons.
Getting there
- Navigate by the coordinates, as there may be no signs on the approach.
- Ask locals for directions, since the short way is not always obvious.
Have you been here? Leave a review on Madloba and help other travellers.
