Shemokmedi Monastery: A Guria Region Gem

The Shemokmedi Monastery, located in the Guria region of western Georgia, offers a captivating glimpse into the country's rich religious and cultural heritage. Founded in the 15th century, the monastery was a significant religious center, serving as the seat of a bishopric and the final resting place for members of the Gurieli princely family. The monastery complex consists of two architecturally distinct churches: the Church of the Redeemer (built in the 12th century) and the Church of the Transfiguration (constructed in the 16th century), also known as Zarzma. A bell tower, built upon the fence of the monastery, adds to the architectural ensemble. The churches feature traditional Georgian architectural styles, with intricate stone carvings and notable frescoes. The interior of the Church of the Transfiguration once housed the venerated 9th-century Icon of the Transfiguration of Jesus, rescued from the Zarzma Monastery. Over the centuries, Shemokmedi Monastery accumulated a vast collection of religious objects and manuscripts, becoming a safe-house for ecclesiastical treasures from across Georgia. Although the monastery suffered robberies in the 19th century, surviving treasures are now part of the Georgian National Museum's collection. The monastery is located on a hill overlooking the Bzhuzhi River and offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside.