The church of Saint George with the qualifier Tavtsminda stands on the northern edge of Akhalsopeli. The word tavtsminda parses as the chief saint and usually marks the primacy of a church among others of the same dedication in the area.
The name also carries a second toponym, Gavazi, although that village lies some twelve kilometres to the south-west. Such a discrepancy occurs three times in this corner of Kakheti: similar names are carried by the church of Saint Barbara in Saruso and by church ruins near the same Akhalsopeli. They most likely preserve the memory of an old parish affiliation.
A village church may keep no fixed schedule; service times are learned on site. Dress with shoulders and knees covered, a headscarf for women, and speak quietly on the grounds.
📍 In brief
- A parish church of Saint George with the qualifier Tavtsminda
- The northern edge of Akhalsopeli, north-east of Gurjaani
- Tavtsminda reads as the chief saint and speaks of the primacy of the church
🚗 Getting there
- Landmark - the northern edge of the village of Akhalsopeli north-east of Gurjaani
- The Build Route button will show the exact way
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