Ikorta and Largvisi: Ancient Orthodox Monasteries in Georgia

The Ikorta Domed Church is located in Russian-occupied territory, 35 km from Tskhinvali. Not far from the church stands the ancestral fortress of the zristavis (rulers) of Ksani.

The Ikorta Church was built by George III in 1172. The building's rectangular dome rests on the altar projections and two pillars. The church is well lit through 12 windows set into the dome drum. Fragments of frescoes have been preserved in the apse, on the north side, and inside the dome. The church's façade and dome drum are richly decorated with carvings. Ikorta is an early example of the canonical type of domed churches of Kartli from the 12th-13th centuries.

The leaders of the Kakhetian anti-Iranian uprising (1659) are buried in the Ikorta Church: Bidzina Cholokashvili, Shalva, and Elizbar Eristavi.

The Largvisi Monastery Complex is located in Shida Katrli, on the right bank of the Ksani River, in the Akhalgori District, in the historical territory of the eristavis (rulers) of Ksani, currently occupied by the Russian army.

According to historical tradition, Largvisi became a city in the 6th century, at which time a church was built (the "Dzegli Eristavta" - "Eristavi Monument" from the 14th century). Largvisi was the center of the Tskhradzmiskhevi Gorge, and a fortress stood here – the main obstacle on the way to the Ksani Valley. Famous educators Avgaroz and Grigol Bandaisdze (14th-15th centuries) worked at Largvisi Monastery. Numerous manuscripts were copied here, many of which have survived to this day and are currently housed in the National Center of Manuscripts of Georgia.

The Largvisi monastery complex is surrounded by a 17th-century fortified wall with towers, and within it is a citadel. The current church, built in 1759 on the site of a 14th-century church by Eristavi Ksani David, is located there. The church has two entrances (on the western and southern sides). Windows provide ample light. A shelter is located above the sacristy. The church has loopholes. The structure is sparsely decorated, and the facing stone is poorly crafted.