The Areshi basilica stands in Mtisdziri. The name refers to Areshi, the historic name of this part of the region: a medieval province in the lower Alazani was so called, and the toponym survives in the names of sites although it vanished as an administrative unit long ago.
The name of the village speaks too: mtisdziri translates as the foot of the mountain and describes its position exactly. The building type here is a basilica, an elongated hall without a dome and one of the early forms of Georgian architecture; the same type is found in Gurjaani, Bodbiskhevi and Kvemo Alvani. Mtisdziri lies in eastern Kakheti, at the foot of the range away from the highway.
The church keeps no fixed schedule and can be approached freely. Treat the building with care. Dress with shoulders and knees covered and speak quietly on the grounds.
📜 Facts
- A domeless basilica, an early type of Georgian church
- Mtisdziri in eastern Kakheti, at the foot of the range away from the highway
- Areshi is the historic name of a medieval province in the lower Alazani
🚗 Getting there
- Landmark - the village of Mtisdziri in eastern Kakheti, at the foot of the range
- The navigator opens with the Build Route button
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