Zedazeni Monastery: A Spiritual Fortress

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Discover ancient Christian heritage at Zedazeni Monastery, with panoramic views and a serene mountain setting near Mtskheta.

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Zedazeni Monastery

Perched high in the Saguramo Range, Zedazeni Monastery is an ancient Georgian Orthodox sanctuary founded in the 6th century. It offers stunning panoramic views and a glimpse into Georgia's conversion from paganism to Christianity.

A brief summary to Zedazeni Monastery

Zedazeni Rd, GE

Monday 11 am-6 pm
Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
Thursday 11 am-6 pm
Friday 11 am-6 pm
Saturday 11 am-6 pm
Sunday 11 am-6 pm

Local tips

Consider visiting on May 20th for Zedaznoba, the annual festival celebrating the monastery's founders.
A 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the steep and sometimes rough road conditions, especially in winter.
Combine your visit with a hike through the surrounding forests for a more immersive experience.
Dress modestly when visiting the monastery.

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Getting There

Driving

From Tbilisi, take the highway towards Mtskheta. Then, follow the signs to Saguramo. From Saguramo, a paved road ascends to Zedazeni Monastery. The road is approximately 6km long. Be aware that the road can be steep and rough, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. A taxi from Tbilisi will cost approximately 60-70 GEL. There are no parking fees.
Hiking

From Saguramo, follow the hiking trail through the forest to Zedazeni Monastery. The hike is approximately 4 kilometers and ascends from 770 meters to 1200 meters. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and appropriate clothing. The hike offers scenic views and a chance to experience the natural surroundings. There are no fees associated with hiking to the monastery.

Discover more about Zedazeni Monastery

Zedazeni Monastery, located northeast of Mtskheta, is a testament to Georgia's enduring Christian legacy. Founded in the 6th century by St. Ioane Zedazneli, one of the thirteen Assyrian Fathers who arrived from Mesopotamia to strengthen Christianity in Georgia, the monastery stands on Mount Zedazeni in the Saguramo Range. The mountain itself was once a site of pagan worship, named after Zaden, a Georgian god of fertility. According to legend, Ioane chose this location to establish the monastery after arriving in Iberia in 535 AD, building it on the very spot where an altar to Zaden once stood. The monastery complex includes the 8th-century St. John the Baptist Church, noted for its simple exterior, three naves, and asymmetrical windows. The complex also features a bell tower, monastic cave cells, and a defensive wall dating back to the 17th century, reflecting its historical role as a fortification. Inside the church, visitors can see damaged frescoes and ornaments from the Middle Ages. St. Ioane Zedazneli is buried within the church, making it a significant pilgrimage site. Visitors can reach Zedazeni Monastery via a paved road or a hiking trail through the forests near Saguramo village. The monastery's elevated location provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Mtskheta and Tbilisi. Each year on May 20th, the monastery celebrates Zedaznoba, a holiday honoring the thirteen Syrian Fathers and their impact on Georgian history.