Nekresi Monastery (Kakheti Region)
Nekresi Monastery Complex (Georgian: ნეკრესის მონასტერი) – The Monastery Complex was founded in the 6th century by Abibos of Nekresi (Georgian: აბიბოს ნეკრესელი), one of the thirteen Assyrian Fathers who came to Georgia to spread Christianity. In the following centuries, one of the most powerful episcopates was formed here, which played a major role in the spread of the Christian religion in Eastern Georgia. Today’s complex is actually the surviving part of the ancient city of Nekresi. Much of the ancient settlement, whose history dates back to ancient times, to the 2nd century BC, is now covered in forest. Several large structures excavated throughout the site, mostly dating to late Antiquity, bear traces of earthquakes and major destruction. The monastery continued to function, but the city itself was swallowed up by the forest and gradually disappeared from historical memory until its rediscovery by modern archaeologists.
A beautiful creation of ancient architects, the Nekresi Monastery is built on a mountain slope covered with a beautiful dense forest. From here, a wonderful panorama of the Alazani Valley opens up as if in the palm of your hand. This location is not only aesthetically attractive, but must have had strategic significance. The beginning of the construction of the monastery is associated with the adoption of Christianity in Georgia and the proclamation of it as the state religion. The construction process did not stop for many centuries, from the 4th to the 18th century. Finally, as a result of the painstaking work of many craftsmen, it turned into a beautiful ensemble of buildings of different times and types. The monastery complex includes several buildings, including a 4th-century temple, which is considered the oldest Christian temple in Georgia. The construction technique, characteristic of the Kakheti region, makes the monastery uniquely attractive and gives it a structure that only monuments of high artistic merit can bear. 
Shilda village (Georgian: სოფელი შილდა), Kvareli Municipality (Georgian: ყვარელის მუნიციპალიტეტი)