Monastery complex Shemokmedi, Guria, Georgia

The Shemokmedi monastery complex is an architectural miracle of Georgia, the embodiment of its ancient traditions and historical vicissitudes. Located on the left bank of the picturesque Brzhuzhi River, this medieval complex is not just buildings, but a historical memory surrounded by mysteries and legends.

It consists of two temples and a bell tower, decorating the hilly expanses of the Ozurgeti municipality. The right temple, built in the 12th century, is named “Divinity”, while on the left is the “Zarzma” temple, built in the 16th century with the participation of Vakhtang I Gurieli. It is here that one of the oldest Georgian icons, dating back to 886, and numerous manuscripts telling about ancient events and religious traditions are kept.

Shemokmedi Monastery also served as a tomb for bishops and local residents, and its book depository is rich in historical treasures. In addition to architectural delights, icons are hidden here, testifying to the deep religious devotion of the Georgian people.

But it is not only history that makes the Shemokmedi monastery unique. Today it attracts pilgrims and tourists with its mysterious atmosphere and the majestic beauty of the nature that surrounds it. The convent, consecrated in 1990, and its shrines continue to be a place of worship and spiritual inspiration.

However, the Shemokmedi monastery complex also recalls the early times when hermits inhabited its caves, and the turbulent events in Georgian history that left their mark on its walls and altars.

For those who seek not only beauty and silence, but also the deep roots of history and culture, a visit to the Shemokmedi monastery complex will be an unforgettable journey into the past, enriching the understanding and perception of this amazing country.