Ninotsminda Monastery in Kakheti: what is it and where is it?
A 7th-century cathedral and monastery near Sagarejo.
Short answer
Ninotsminda is a monastery with a cathedral in the village of the same name near Sagarejo town in Kakheti, built between 650 and 675 and named for Saint Nino. The cathedral's present form is mostly 18th-century, and the altar survived every rebuilding.
Why
- Over roughly 1,200 years the cathedral was destroyed and rebuilt many times, and only the altar remained intact.
- In the 18th century the altar was decorated with frescoes of the Mother of God, archangels and apostles.
- Kings of Kakheti (Levan, Aleksandre and Davit I) and kings of Kartli (Rostom and Archil) supported the cathedral and monastery.
Details
The site keeps its 18th-century defensive walls and towers, a 16th-century bell tower, and wall inscriptions in Khutsuri, an early form of the Georgian alphabet, and in Latin. It once had a rich library, which did not survive. The monastery has reopened in recent years, and an attached convent opened toward the end of the 20th century.
The name goes back to Saint Nino, covered in What is the Georgian cross and who baptised Georgia? For other places in the region, see Where is Kakheti and what is there to see?
Tip
Look at the wall inscriptions: some are in Khutsuri and some in Latin.
What may differ
Confirm opening hours and visiting conditions locally or with the tourism administration before planning a trip.
People also ask
- Where is Ninotsminda Monastery in Kakheti?
- When was Ninotsminda Monastery built?
Sources
- Ninotsminda Monastery, georgia.travelChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Check opening hours and visiting conditions before you go.
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