The church of the apostle Thomas stands in Chikaani. The dedication is notable: churches of the apostle Thomas are few in Georgia, where those of Saint George and of the Virgin are far more common, so for Kakheti this is a rare entry in the list of dedications.
The village lies north-east of Gurjaani, between the highway and the foothills, in the very heart of the Alazani valley with its vineyards. Nearby, on the Oktomberi to Chikaani to Gavazi road, stands the church of the Virgin in Gavazi, and to the south, in Dzirkoki, two more village churches. The place is busy by Kakhetian standards: people call in here more readily than at the neighbouring village churches.
The church keeps no fixed schedule, so a visit is best arranged in advance or timed to the Sunday service. Dress with shoulders and knees covered, a headscarf for women, and check before photographing inside.
๐ก Tip
- An active parish church of the apostle Thomas, an uncommon dedication in Georgia
- Chikaani north-east of Gurjaani, between the highway and the foothills
- Nearby are Gavazi with its church of the Virgin and Dzirkoki with two more
๐ Getting there
- Landmark - the village of Chikaani north-east of Gurjaani, on the road towards Gavazi
- For navigation tap Build Route
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