Khorakert Monastery: A Hidden Armenian Treasure in Georgia

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Discover Khorakert Monastery: A hidden gem of Armenian medieval architecture nestled in the forests of Georgia, near the Armenian border.

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Khorakert

Nestled in a dense forest near the Armenian-Georgian border, Khorakert Monastery is a unique example of Armenian medieval architecture dating back to the 12th-13th centuries. Though located in Georgia, this once-rich monastery showcases distinctive Armenian architectural and artistic features.

A brief summary to Khorakert

Local tips

Obtain necessary permits in advance, as Khorakert Monastery is located in a border zone and requires special authorization for visitation.
The monastery is best accessed through Georgia, specifically from the village of Chanakhchi in the Marneuli district.
Wear appropriate hiking shoes, as the terrain to reach the monastery can be uneven and involve some walking.

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Getting There

Driving

From Tbilisi, drive south towards the Marneuli region. Continue to the village of Chanakhchi. From Chanakhchi, the monastery is accessible, but it's recommended to inquire locally about the current accessibility and road conditions. A local guide may be beneficial due to the remote location. There are no tolls on the way to the village. Parking is available in Chanakhchi; from there, the final approach may involve hiking.
Taxi

A taxi from Marneuli to Chanakhchi is a viable option. Negotiate the fare beforehand. From Chanakhchi, you may need to hire a local driver with a suitable vehicle or walk part of the way. The total taxi fare from Marneuli to the closest accessible point to Khorakert Monastery and back could range from 50-80 GEL, depending on negotiation. Remember to confirm whether the driver is willing to wait for you while you visit the monastery.

Discover more about Khorakert

Khorakert Monastery, a remarkable example of Armenian architecture from the 12th-13th centuries, lies on the western slope of Mount Lalvar, near the village of Jiliza. While geographically situated in Georgia, close to the Armenian border, its architectural and artistic identity is distinctly Armenian. The monastery is accessible only through Georgia, requiring special permission to visit. Once a rich monastic complex, Khorakert is surrounded by a stone wall, enclosing the main temple and a vestry. The main entrance features a vaulted premise with arched passageways adorned with half-columns and ornamental carvings. Within the walls, remnants of a refectory and two small vaulted chapels with deep apses can still be seen. A secret passage leads from a wall south of the chapels to a nearby gorge, hinting at the monastery's defensive strategies. The main temple, dedicated to St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), is the largest and most artistically expressive structure. Dating back to the late 12th and early 13th centuries, it exhibits a cross-winged domed structure with annexes. The interior is relatively modest, but the cupola stands out with its unique design. The decahedral drum of the cupola, featuring hexahedral columns, is a rare sight in Armenian architecture. Inside, the cupola's hemisphere is formed by three pairs of intersecting arches, creating a six-pointed star. The vestibule, added in 1257, was a rectangular hall with intersecting arches, though it was destroyed in an earthquake.