The cave near Ninotsminda is linked to the Dukhobor community that lived in these parts. The Dukhobors managed without churches or clergy: they held their prayer meetings in ordinary houses or, as here, in adapted natural shelters.
The Dukhobors were resettled in Javakheti in the eighteen forties, about five thousand people, and founded a dozen villages they called the Javakheti Dukhoboria. Bogdanovka, the centre of that district, is now Ninotsminda. Later part of the community left for Canada and part was exiled, and today the town is mainly Armenian.
Some mountain shrines carry local restrictions on entry, so check them on the spot. 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.
- Leave offerings only according to local custom.
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.
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