Oshki Monastery (Region of Tao)
Oshki Monastery (Georg. ოშკის მონასტერი, Tur. Oşkvank Manastırı) – Georgian monastery complex located on the historical territory – Tao (Georg. ტაო), surprising visitors with its grandeur, was built in 963-973. Oshki was an ancient Georgian cultural and educational center. The manuscripts created in the monastery have come down to us, among which the Bible of Oshki (Georg. ოშკის ბიბლია) (978), which is a complete translation of the Bible into Georgian, is of particular importance. Currently stored on Mount Athos.
The domed temple forms the shape of a cross and of a tetraconch. Dedicated to St. John the Baptist and is one of the largest cross-domed churches in the region. To the northeast of the cathedral are the ruins of a library, a seminary, a refectory and utility rooms. In terms of inscriptions, the Oshki temple is one of the richest Georgian temples. The abundance of arches is striking, there are many Bas-reliefs on all four facades of the temple. They clearly stand out from a flat surface. In recent years, the temple has been looted several times. Wonderful frescoes and tiles with Georgian inscriptions have disappeared from the walls.
Comments