The building type is named in the title itself: this is a basilica, an elongated building divided by rows of supports into several naves. Such precision is rare among Kakhetian village churches: the hall type without internal division is far more common.
The first word of the name, Tornisi, belongs to a locality, while the basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It stands by Lapankuri, in the foothills of the Akhmeta municipality, away from the built-up part of the village. From here it is about equally far to Telavi and to Kvareli, some twenty one kilometres.
There is no fixed schedule of services and the site can be approached at any time. The place is quiet and little visited; the trip needs no special preparation, though the turning off the road is unpaved. If you want to see how a basilica differs from the familiar hall church, this is the place to come for exactly that.
📜 Of interest
- A basilica, a building with naves divided by rows of supports
- Foothills by Lapankuri village, Akhmeta municipality of Kakheti
- Tornisi is a locality name; the dedication is named separately
🚗 Getting there
- Landmark: Lapankuri village, Akhmeta municipality; about twenty one kilometres to Telavi
- For navigation tap Build Route
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