Shuamta Monasteries (Region of Kakheti)
The architectural ensemble, located in a beautiful pine forest, includes the famous monastery complexes – Dzveli Shuamta (Georgian: ძველი შუამთა) and Akhali Shuamta (Georgian: ახალი შუამთა), literally Old Shuamta and New Shuamta. These two monasteries are completely different from each other in architecture and were created at different times.
The Dzveli Shuamta Monastery is an older monument. Who and when founded Old Shuamta is unknown, most likely it happened in the 5th century. An ensemble of several ancient churches against the backdrop of stunning nature. The small church in the foreground dates back to the 5th century, the other two – the large and small domed churches – to the 7th century. The large church is very similar to the Mtskheta Jvari temple. The churches have preserved 12th century paintings. A great opportunity to get acquainted with ancient Orthodox architecture.
The Akhali Shuamta Monastery was built later, in the 16th century. This monastery is still functioning. The monastery complex includes a large temple, a bell tower, and a fence. On the outside, a recessed image of a cross, typical of Georgian church architecture, is laid out in the masonry along the entire height of the walls. The high windows of the drum are a clear influence of Gothic. Fragments of 16th-century frescoes have been preserved in the interior. Throughout its history, the New Shuamta Monastery was one of the most important spiritual centers of the country. It always received special attention from the Georgian kings. Caravans passing along the Gombori (Georgian: გომბორი) road had to pay a fee in favor of the monastery.
Mount Shuamta (Georgian: შუამთა), Telavi Municipality (Georgian: თელავის მუნიციპალიტეტი)
