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Gurjaani Kvelatsminda: Georgia's Unique Two-Domed Church

Discover Gurjaani Kvelatsminda, a unique 8th-century Georgian church with two domes, offering stunning views and a peaceful retreat in the Kakheti wine region.

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Gurjaani Kvelatsminda, dating back to the 8th-9th centuries, is an architectural marvel and the only extant example of a two-domed church in Georgia. Located near Gurjaani town in the Kakheti region, it offers stunning views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains.

A brief summary to Gurjaani Kvelatsminda

  • Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a short, pleasant 300-meter walk through the forest from the parking lot to the church.
  • Visit the café and gift shop on the grounds to support the monastic community and purchase locally made products.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Gurjaani town and other Kakhetian wineries for a complete cultural and wine-tasting experience.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From the center of Gurjaani, a taxi ride to Gurjaani Kvelatsminda takes approximately 7 minutes, covering a distance of about 5.5 kilometers. A typical taxi fare for this short trip will cost around 7.5 GEL. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked through a ride-hailing app.

  • Walking

    While walking from Gurjaani center is possible, it is not recommended due to the distance (approximately 5.5 kilometers) and the lack of pedestrian-friendly roads. If arriving by car or taxi, be prepared for a short 300-meter walk through a forested area from the parking lot to reach the church.

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Discover more about Gurjaani Kvelatsminda

Nestled amidst the vineyards of the Kakheti region, close to the town of Gurjaani, lies the Gurjaani Kvelatsminda Church, a remarkable monument of Georgian architecture. This unique church, also known as the All-Holy Church of Gurjaani, stands as the only surviving example of a two-domed church in Georgia. Constructed in the 8th or 9th century during a transformative period in Georgian church architecture, Kvelatsminda showcases a distinctive blend of architectural styles. The church's architecture reflects the ingenuity of its creators. Built with cobblestone and brick, this three-nave basilica is crowned by two identical, low, eight-arched domes that merge seamlessly with the structure. These domes symbolize the dual natures of Christ. Inside, the high western wall creates a striking visual effect, featuring rows of tilted arches that separate the main sanctuary from the second floor, which was once reserved for high-ranking visitors. Kakhetian Queen Ketevan the Martyr is said to have spent her final days here before her fateful trip to Persia in 1624. Gurjaani Kvelatsminda is also connected to the legend of the miraculous carved icon of the Mother of God of Iveria, which was once hidden within the walls of the nearby St. George's Cathedral during the invasion of Shah Abbas's army in 1615. Rediscovered two centuries later, it was returned to Kvelatsminda, only to be lost again during the Bolshevik church lootings in the 1920s. Since 1993, monastic life has been revived here. Today, the church attracts local and international visitors, drawn to its peaceful atmosphere, architectural uniqueness, and panoramic views. The monastic complex includes a café and a small gift shop where visitors can purchase items made by the monks and nuns.

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