The Church of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands within the site of Samshvilde, a ruined town and archaeological site in Tetritskaro Municipality. The ruins of the town stretch approximately 2.5 kilometers long and 400 meters wide along the Khrami River valley. Samshvilde itself is mentioned in medieval Georgian chronicles as one of the oldest towns in Kartli, dating back to the third century BC. The site contains several churches, dating from different periods, and is easily confused.
The main church, the Samshvilde Sioni, stands approximately 750 meters to the east and was built between 759 and 777. An asomtavruli inscription mentioning the Byzantine emperors Constantine V and Leo IV has been preserved on the eastern façade. The Sioni is heavily damaged, with its eastern section being the best preserved.
A walk around the settlement takes several hours, and it's best to go with a map or a guide: half the sites are simply impossible to find without preparation.
🕍 What to see
The Church of the Dormition, the ruins of the Samshvilde Sion to the east, the citadel on the rocky cape above Khrami, and the remains of walls and towers throughout the settlement.
💰 Free or paid
Admission is free.
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