The Prophet Elijah, Elia in the Georgian tradition, holds a special place: his veneration became closely interwoven with folk ideas about thunder, rain and the harvest, and churches of his name were often placed on hills away from houses.
The church in Kitaani follows that logic: a small village at the eastern edge of the Alazani valley, with the church set slightly apart from the housing. The road here runs from Akhasheni towards Velistsikhe, an old village with wine cellars, and views over the valley open from almost every bend.
The village is quiet and there are no tourist signposts. It suits those who prefer places without signage. Dress soberly, women bring a headscarf.
📜 Of interest
- A village church in the name of the Prophet Elijah
- Kitaani village at the eastern edge of the Alazani valley
- In folk tradition Elijah is linked with thunderstorms and the harvest
🚗 Getting there
- Landmark: the road from Akhasheni to Velistsikhe; the turning into the village is poorly marked
- The navigator opens with the Build Route button
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