Alaverdi Monastery Ensemble is situated in the Northern part of Kakheti Region, 18km away from Telavi in the Alazani Valley. The Monastery Complex comprises: Saint George's Church (XI century) with fragments of mural paintings and lapidary inscriptions; Belfry (Late Middle Age) Refectory XVII century; Wall XVII century; Royal Summer Residence (Late Middle Ages). The Chronicles prove that in the VI century one of the 13 Syrian Fathers, Joseph Alaverdeli replaced pagan chapel and erected a small church, on the site of the present temple to reinforce Christian belief. Alaverdi Cathedral is one of the greatest constructions in Georgia. The main parts of the Church are built of the flint stones.
Ateni Sioni
The church of Sioni Ateni is only a few kilometers from Gori, on the left bank of the river Tana on the edge of a cliff- on the platform which is supported by a wall. Ateni with its 12th-century frescoes is one of the architectural treasures of Georgia. The walls of the church display unique Georgian writings of different periods.
Anchiskhati
Anchiskhati church (old denomination - "Zari" - English for "Bell") of Saint Mary was erected in the VI century by the heir of King Vakhtang Gorgasali - Prince Dachi. It is the only survived church of the first five churches built in Tbilisi in this century. The Church was reconstructed in XVII- XIX centuries. Anchiskhati church is three- nave basilica. The belfry was built in 1675. The Church bears lapidary inscriptions. The Church was given its present name in XVII century, after the Anchi Cathedral in Klarjeti - historical province of Georgia in the south of the country.
Barakoni
Barakoni Church of the Mother of God, commonly known as Barakoni, is an Orthodox church in Georgia, in the mountainous western province of Racha (modern-day Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti). Located near the town of Ambrolauri, Barakoni was commissioned, in 1753, by the local lord (eristavi) Rostom of Racha to the architect Avtandil Shulavreli who is commemorated in the inscription of the eastern façade. It is a domed cruciform church and one of the last important monuments in the tradition of medieval Georgian architecture. The church is adorned with rich ornamentation. The church was closed and desecrated under the Bolshevik rule. It suffered further damage, though not serious, in the 1991 Racha earthquake, but was quickly repaired.
Bodbe
Bodbe Monastery is situated in Sighnaghi region, 105 km from Tbilisi. The monastery was founded in the IV century. In the V century King Vakhtang Gorgasali expanded and remodeled the construction. The temple acquired its present aspect of three- nave basilica in VIII- IX centuries. The Monastery functioned as the nunnery since 1889. Bodbe Monastery occupies significant position in spiritual life of Georgia, due to the fact shat it is burial place of the enlightened of Georgia, Apostle of Apostles, St. Nino.
Bolnisi Sioni
Bolnisi is the home of one of the oldest Christian churches in the country of Georgia. It is commonly known as Bolnisi Sioni. This church dates to the 4th century AD and features some pagan elements in its stonework. The original roof is missing but has been replaced with a modern covering. Bolnisi Sioni has Georgia's most ancient inscriptions dating from the late 5th century, mentioning Bishop David and King Peroz.
Betania
The Betania Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God commonly known as Betania or Bethania is a medieval Georgian Orthodox monastery in eastern Georgia, beautifully located in a lush forest in the surroundings of Tbilisi (16km southwest of Tbilisi). It is a remarkable piece of architecture of the "Golden Age" of the Kingdom of Georgia, at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries, and is notable for its wall paintings which include a group portrait of the contemporary Georgian monarchs (The portraits of King George III, Queen Tamar and her son Lasha-Giorgi are kept here).
Gergeti Trinity Church
Gergeti Trinity Church is situated on the right bank of the river Chkheri (the left tributary of the river Terek), at an elevation of 2160 meters, under Mt. Kazbegi (at a distance of 152 km from Tbilisi). It was built in the 14th century. The complex of Gergeti Trinity church, beautifully situated on the top of the hill nearby the township of Kazbegi, overlooking the area, is the main chapel of the Khevi region. The bell-tower standing nearby is contemporary with the cross-domed Church of the Mother of God and creates a uniform complex together with it.
Gurjaani Kvelatsminda
The Gurjaani Kvelatsminda Church (of the Dormition of the Virgin) is the only two-cupola church in architecture of early medieval period in Georgia that is considered as basilica. Stones and bricks are used for construction. The Church is noted for complex architectural structure and is regarded as an exemplary monument of transitional period's religious architecture. The complex was destroyed by invaders, and rebuilt and repaired several times by local nobles and Georgian kings. VIII century is believed as the date of its construction.
Ikalto
The monastery is situated in the vicinity of Telavi, at a distance of 147 kilometers from Tbilisi. It was founded in the VI century. Ikalto was known for its Academy, a religious and educational center during the middle ages, where outstanding Georgian public figure Arsen Ikaltoeli used to serve. Great Georgian poet, the author of the poem "The Knight in the Panther's Skin" Shota Rustaveli was educated in Ikalto Academy, for this reason annual celebration of Shota Rustaveli is hold at Ikalto every November.
