Mtsvane Monastery: A Verdant Sanctuary of History and Faith

Mtsvane Monastery, officially the Chitakhevi St. George Monastery, offers a peaceful escape into Georgia's rich religious and natural history. Located approximately 12 km southwest of Borjomi, the monastery is hidden within the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. The name 'Green Monastery' comes from the verdant foliage surrounding it and the green-tinged stones used in its construction. Founded by Kristepore and Tevdore, disciples of Grigol Khandzteli, in the 9th and 10th centuries, the monastery has been a sanctuary of Georgian Orthodox Christianity for centuries. The complex includes a three-nave basilica showcasing 9th-10th century architecture and a two-story bell tower erected in the 15th-16th centuries. The church's modest, unadorned style reflects its age, while the bell tower features a chapel on the first floor and intricate carvings, including a relief of St. George slaying the dragon, on the second. The monastery's history is marked by tragedy. In the 16th century, it was attacked by Shah Tahmasp I's troops, who massacred the monks. Legend says the stones in the adjacent Chitakhevi River turned red with their blood, a phenomenon still visible today. For over two centuries, the monastery was abandoned until restoration efforts began in the 1980s, with monastic life revived in 2002. Today, Mtsvane Monastery is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims seeking solace and connection to the past. Visitors can explore the church, bell tower, and the remnants of monastic cells, and several springs are located behind the complex. The surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.