Background

Sapara Monastery: A Hidden Gem of Georgian Orthodox History

Discover Sapara Monastery, a hidden Georgian Orthodox treasure near Akhaltsikhe, showcasing remarkable architecture, frescoes, and a rich history.

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Nestled in the mountains near Akhaltsikhe, Georgia, Sapara Monastery is a historic Georgian Orthodox monastic complex dating back to the 10th century. Once a prominent residence of the Jakeli family, rulers of Samtskhe, it features remarkable architecture, including the Church of St. Saba and the Church of the Assumption.

A brief summary to Sapara Monastery

  • Akhaltsikhe-Sapara monastery, GE
  • Tuesday 10:30 am-3:30 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-3:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain within the monastery complex.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting the monastery, as it is an active religious site.
  • Consider hiring a local guide in Akhaltsikhe for transportation and insights into the monastery's history.
  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they may vary depending on the day and season.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Akhaltsikhe, the most direct way to reach Sapara Monastery is by taxi. Negotiate the fare in advance; a standard round trip should cost around 20 GEL. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes, offering scenic views along the way. Note that some drivers may ask for more if you want them to wait for you while you visit the monastery.

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Discover more about Sapara Monastery

Sapara Monastery, whose name translates to 'hidden', is a captivating monastic complex located in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia, approximately 10 km from Akhaltsikhe. The monastery's history stretches back to at least the 9th century, with significant development occurring under the Jakeli family, who transformed it into their residence and family burial ground in the 13th and 14th centuries. The complex comprises several religious and historical structures. The oldest is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, dating back to the 10th century. This single-nave basilica features unique ornamentation and hidden frescoes discovered during restoration. The largest church, dedicated to St. Saba, was constructed in the 13th-14th centuries. Its interior boasts intricate carvings, and an inscription reveals the architect was named Parezasdze. Other notable structures include the bell tower, considered one of the oldest in Georgia, and the ruins of the Jakeli family palace. Throughout its history, Sapara Monastery has experienced periods of prosperity and abandonment. It was deserted when the Ottoman Turks seized power in the 16th-17th centuries, and many sacred articles were moved to safety. Monastic life was restored briefly in the 19th century before the monastery became a Russian hermitage. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1989, the monastery was revived, and it continues to function as an active monastery today.

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