Background

Bodbe Monastery: A Spiritual Oasis in Kakheti

Discover the serene Bodbe Monastery near Sighnaghi, a sacred pilgrimage site honoring St. Nino with stunning views of the Alazani Valley.

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Nestled near Sighnaghi, Bodbe Monastery is a significant Georgian Orthodox monastic complex. It is renowned as the final resting place of St. Nino, the 4th-century evangelist credited with converting Georgia to Christianity. The site offers a serene and spiritually enriching experience with stunning views of the Alazani Valley.

A brief summary to Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent Cathedral

  • JW4M+GH7, Sighnaghi-St. Nino Monastery, Sighnaghi, GE
  • Monday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting the monastery; women should wear a headscarf and skirt, while men should avoid shorts and hats.
  • Visit the Spring of Saint Nino and immerse yourself in its healing waters; white shirts are required and can be borrowed or purchased on-site.
  • Explore the monastery grounds for panoramic views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains.
  • Be mindful that photography is restricted inside the Cathedral of Saint George.
  • Check the monastery's operating hours, typically open during daylight hours, and be aware of limited access during liturgies.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Sighnaghi's center, the Bodbe Monastery is approximately a 30-minute to 1-hour walk. The route offers picturesque views of the Alazani Valley. Follow the main road leading east out of Sighnaghi, keeping an eye out for signs indicating the direction of the monastery. The walk is moderately challenging due to some uphill sections. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Sighnaghi and offer a quick way to reach Bodbe Monastery. The ride takes about 10 minutes. Negotiate the fare before starting the journey, but expect to pay around 10-15 GEL for a one-way trip. Several taxi services offer private transfers, with prices starting around $45 for a round trip for up to 6 people.

  • Public Transport

    Minibusses (Marshrutkas) operate between Tbilisi and Sighnaghi. From Sighnaghi, you can take a taxi to Bodbe Monastery. The minibus from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi costs around 4 GEL and takes approximately 4 hours. The taxi from Sighnaghi to the monastery will cost an additional 10-15 GEL.

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Discover more about Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent Cathedral

Bodbe Monastery, officially the Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe, is a serene and historically significant site located just 2 kilometers from Sighnaghi in the Kakheti region of Georgia. Founded in the 9th century, the monastery is built on the burial site of St. Nino, the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century. She is celebrated as the Christian enlightener of Georgia, and her memory is honored each year on January 14th, drawing numerous pilgrims. According to legend, King Mirian had a dream after the adoption of Christianity where four stars flew across the mountains of Georgia, with one of the rays landing near Bodbe. St. Nino traveled there to place a cross on that very spot, choosing Bodbe as her final resting place. The monastery has been renovated and rebuilt over the centuries, with significant remodeling in the 17th century. Several Kakhetian kings were crowned here, highlighting its cultural importance. The complex includes the Cathedral of Saint George, the Church of Saint Nino, a bell tower, and a holy spring. The Cathedral of Saint George, a three-nave basilica, houses the tomb of St. Nino in its southern apse and serves as the spiritual center of the complex. Photography is not permitted inside the cathedral. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with flower beds, vineyards, and lush lawns. An observation deck provides panoramic views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. A path leads to the Spring of Saint Nino, believed to have healing properties, accessible via a staircase. Visitors can immerse themselves in the spring's water, wearing a white shirt, which can be borrowed or purchased on-site. Today, Bodbe Monastery is a major pilgrimage site and a popular tourist destination. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly. The monastery offers a glimpse into Georgia's rich religious history, cultural heritage, and architectural splendor.

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