The monastery of Ketevan the Martyr in Varjanauli is a working monastery in the hills east of Kobuleti, bearing the name of one of the most venerated Georgian saints. Queen Ketevan met a martyr’s death in the seventeenth century, all Georgia honours her memory, and monasteries with this dedication are uncommon.
The place is quiet and cared for, with no tour flows: pilgrims and occasional travellers climb here. The road into the hills sets the mood for the visit: tea plantations, greenery and views over the Adjarian foothills. The monastery pairs well with the convent in Tskhemvani next door: two quiet addresses of the same hills.
The rules are usual for a working monastery: modest dress, a headscarf for women, quiet on the grounds. Entering during a service, one stays by the door and does not disturb those praying.
📜 Facts
- The dedication: the holy Great Martyr Queen Ketevan
- The hills east of Kobuleti, Varjanauli village
- A dedication rare for Georgia among working monasteries
🚗 Getting there
- Landmark - Varjanauli village; the turn off the coastal highway at Kobuleti into the hills
- The navigator opens with the Build Route button
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