The Khakhalajvari church stands about a kilometre from Darbazi. The second part of the name, jvari, means cross, and such names in Kvemo Kartli usually attach to churches on heights.
The ruins of another church are marked in Darbazi itself, so the village has two church sites. The area belongs to Bolnisi Municipality, a district with a particularly dense concentration of early Christian architecture. The landscape is hilly, with vineyards on the slopes and dirt roads between the villages.
A headscarf is useful for women, as it may be required at the entrance. The site remains part of the everyday life of the area, and that deserves respect.
Tips
- Allow no more than half an hour for the visit.
- Bring water, as there are no kiosks nearby.
- There is no need to touch candles or icons.
Getting there
- Navigate by the coordinates, as there may be no signs on the approach.
- Ask locals for directions, since the short way is not always obvious.
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