Dzveli Shuamta in Kakheti: 5–7th Century Monastery

The medieval church of Dzveli is located in the picturesque region of Kakheti, famous for its wineries. The monastery is surrounded by a broad-leaved forest and is located near the town of Telavi. This monastery is a representative of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Many seasoned tourists consider the surrounding area to be one of the most beautiful places in Georgia, and it's no surprise.

The church complex includes a basilica built in the 5th century AD and a 7th-century church, which attracts attention with its massive dome. Slightly smaller churches, shaped like a cross, are nearby, making this a truly remarkable place to visit in Georgia. The entire monastery complex was constructed using stone and cobblestones quarried from the nearby mountains. These buildings blend into the landscape, becoming part of it and complementing the surrounding nature. The corners of the churches are paved with travertine.

Unfortunately, after many centuries of existence, the monastery complex was abandoned in the 16th century. Services were no longer held at Dzveli-Shuamta, and pilgrims passed by the site. Due to lack of proper maintenance, the buildings quickly fell into ruin.

In the second half of the 16th century, Queen Tinatin of Katekhia undertook the restoration of the monastery and built a new church, Shuamta. The main building of the New Shuamta Church was made of brick and had the same cruciform structure as its predecessors. The interior walls of the main hall of the church are decorated with paintings and frescoes depicting portraits of saints and scenes from Holy Scripture.

Georgia's landmarks are highly revered, and every local is committed to preserving the country's cultural treasures. This tradition did not just appear; its roots go deep into the Middle Ages. Even a hundred years later, the church was maintained in good condition thanks to the care of King Levan II, who renovated it and expanded the entire complex with the construction of a bell tower and other buildings. Beneath the church's foundations lies the tomb of an unknown saint; scholars are still unsure who is buried there.

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