Description of the attraction
Ikalto Monastery is one of the oldest buildings in Georgia and the most ancient in Kakheti. It is located near the village of Ikalto, which is 8 km from the city of Telavi.
The monastery was founded in the VI century. Venerable Zenon of Ikaltiysky. Almost nothing remained of the buildings of that period. The temples that have survived to this day were erected in the VIII century. At the same time, on the territory of the monastery, grape presses and storage facilities for wine were also built, which have partially survived to this day. In the XII century, during the reign of King David the Builder, the Assumption Church and the building of the academy were erected. This academy is known for the fact that Shota Rustaveli studied within its walls.
The building of the academy was an example of civil architecture. Unfortunately, it has not survived to this day - in 1616 it was destroyed by the hordes of Shah Abbas I. Since then, the Ikalto monastery practically ceased to exist. The revival of the monastery began only in the 19th century.
The Ikalto monastery has lost its former glory, but despite this, it remains a worthy place for tourists to visit. On the territory of the monastery there are several ancient temples of the VI-XIII centuries, the ruins of the academy, as well as the burial place of Zeno Ikaltoysky.
In the center of the complex you can see the domed temple of Khvtaeba (Holy Spirit), erected VIII-IX centuries. In the XIX century. its reconstruction was carried out. To the south of the main temple there is a built XII century. Church of the Assumption of the Virgin. In the northeast of the Khvtaeba temple is the Holy Trinity Temple - Sameba, erected in the VI century. The church has a peculiar architecture - a two-storey building, to the second tier of which an external staircase leads. The ruins of the two-story academy building are to the right of the entrance. There were several utility and auxiliary premises on the ground floor. On the second floor there was a large hall, in which two window openings in the form of arches have survived.
