The Dzelitskhoveli church stands in Jugaani. The name breaks into two parts: dzeli is wood or a beam, tskhoveli means life-giving. The dedication refers to the Life-Giving Wood of the Cross, and in the Georgian tradition such churches were built where the relic or its memory was venerated.
The village sits on the plain south-west of Sighnaghi, between the highway and the vineyards. Sighnaghi itself, the walled hilltop town overlooking the Alazani valley, is not far, and beside it stands Bodbe monastery, the resting place of Saint Nino and one of the principal shrines of Kakheti. Jugaani stands out for the attention it receives among the surrounding village churches.
The church keeps no fixed schedule, so ask about services on site. Dress with shoulders and knees covered, a headscarf for women, and speak quietly inside.
⛪ On site
- A parish church of the Life-Giving Wood, dzeli tskhoveli in Georgian
- Jugaani south-west of Sighnaghi, on the plain among the vineyards
- Nearby is Sighnaghi with Bodbe monastery, one of the main shrines of Kakheti
🚗 Getting there
- Landmark - the village of Jugaani south-west of Sighnaghi, on the plain by the highway
- The navigator opens with the Build Route button
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