The basilica of the Virgin Mary in Skhvilisi is the Catholic church of a village on the road from Akhaltsikhe to Vale. Samtskhe is historically one of the centres of Georgian Catholics, the parishes of these villages have lived for centuries, and the Skhvilisi basilica is a working link of that tradition.
The church stands by the main village street, and the community here is alive: services, feasts, parish cares. Together with Vale and Ude, Skhvilisi forms the Catholic circle of Samtskhe: a route for those drawn to this little-known page of Georgian spiritual heritage. Three villages in half a day, and the picture comes together whole.
Guests are received kindly, and the rules are usual: modest dress, quiet, and during mass one sits by the entrance and does not photograph those at prayer.
โช On site
- A working Catholic church of the village
- Skhvilisi on the Akhaltsikhe - Vale road
- The Catholic circle of Samtskhe: Skhvilisi, Vale and Ude
๐ Getting there
- Landmark - Skhvilisi village by the main street; about four kilometres to Akhaltsikhe
- A route is built with the Build Route button
โ๏ธ Have you visited this place? Share your impressions on Madloba: your reviews help other travellers.
