The church of Saint Barbara stands in Pkhoveli. The toponym relates to the historic name of the Pkhovi highlanders, who lived in the upper reaches of the Aragvi and the Iori, and probably points to settlers from the mountains who took root on the plain.
Such names are not rare in Kakheti: mountain communities came down into the valleys over centuries, leaving their trace in village names. Neighbouring Pshaveli west of Telavi has a similar story, its name referring to the Pshavs. Pkhoveli itself lies south of Gurjaani, in the foothill part of the region, reached by a road unpaved in places.
The grounds are open around the clock, so the church can be approached at any time. Dress with shoulders and knees covered, a headscarf for women, and treat the building with care.
📜 Facts
- A parish church dedicated to Saint Barbara
- Pkhoveli south of Gurjaani, in the foothill part of the region
- The toponym relates to the Pkhovi highlanders of the upper Aragvi and Iori
🚗 Getting there
- Landmark - the village of Pkhoveli south of Gurjaani; the road is unpaved in places
- For navigation tap Build Route
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