The name of this site translates as new icon, and behind it stands a notion characteristic of mountain Kakheti: the word khati here denotes not only an image but the revered place itself, a shrine of the community.
Such places are often older than the parish churches around and are tied not to a particular saint but to local tradition. Matani holds another site similar in spirit, Didbatoni in the northern part, whose name means the great lord. The village lies west of Akhmeta, counts about nine church sites and stretches along the river.
The site can be approached freely and keeps no schedule. Dress with shoulders and knees covered, speak quietly on the grounds and treat the place with care.
๐ In brief
- A revered site; khati means both an icon and the shrine of the community
- The western part of Matani west of Akhmeta, in the foothills
- A site similar in spirit, Didbatoni, stands in the northern part of the village
๐ Getting there
- Landmark - the western part of the village of Matani west of Akhmeta
- The Build Route button will take you to the spot
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