The Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino and Bishopric, located in Kakheti just 2 km from Sighnaghi, impresses with its rich history and spiritual significance. According to legend, the monastery was erected on the burial site of St. Nino, whose holiness glorified Georgia. The history of this place is closely intertwined with the history of the Georgian kings, who paid special attention to it, carrying out numerous repairs and restorations.
Among the prominent personalities associated with the Bodbe Monastery are scribes such as Zakaria Bodbeli, Onofre Bodbeli, John Dzhoradze, David Bodbeli, as well as John Makashvili, whose contribution turned out to be invaluable for the preservation and development of this sacred place.
Since the beginning of the 19th century, the Bodbe Monastery has undergone a number of changes, becoming a church for local believers. However, in 1889, a pedagogical school with an art department was opened within its walls, continuing the tradition of education and culture.
The most important architectural object on the territory of the monastery is the three-nave basilica with three apses, which is a monument of Georgian architecture. Despite the fact that the original forms belong to an earlier feudal era, the architectural ensemble was repeatedly renovated and reinterpreted in different historical periods. The modern appearance of the monastery bears traces of the 17th and 19th centuries, and special attention was paid to its preservation in the 20s of the 19th century under the leadership of Metropolitan of Sighnaghi and Kiziki, John Makashvili.
A visit to the Bodbe Monastery of St. Nina and the bishopric is a unique opportunity to plunge into the history and spiritual heritage of Georgia. Those who appreciate cultural and architectural riches, and also seek deep spiritual experiences, should definitely visit this sacred place.
