The Bziani sakdari stands in the Maghraani area, about a kilometre from the Gvtaeba church. The word bziani comes from the name of the box tree, and such names in Kakheti usually point to the vegetation around the site.
Several sakdari and churches survive in Maghraani, scattered over the slopes around the village. Akhmeta Municipality is generally rich in such sites: highlanders settled here densely and almost every clan had its own place of prayer. The area is wooded, with short paths and dirt roads between the sites.
A headscarf is useful for women, as it may be required at the entrance. The site remains part of the everyday life of the area, and that deserves respect.
Tips
- Allow no more than half an hour for the visit.
- Bring water, as there are no kiosks nearby.
- There is no need to touch candles or icons.
Getting there
- Navigate by the coordinates, as there may be no signs on the approach.
- Ask locals for directions, since the short way is not always obvious.
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