Background

Bodbe Monastery: A Spiritual Oasis in Kakheti

Discover spiritual serenity at Bodbe Monastery near Sighnaghi, Georgia, the final resting place of St. Nino, with stunning views of the Alazani Valley.

4.8

Nestled near Sighnaghi, Bodbe Monastery is a significant Georgian Orthodox monastic complex associated with St. Nino, the evangelist of Georgia. It offers a serene escape with stunning views of the Alazani Valley and houses St. Nino's relics, making it a major pilgrimage site.

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 may want to bring a scarf to cover their heads.
  • Take the path down to St. Nino's Spring for its believed healing properties; be prepared for a descent of 643 steps.
  • Photography is prohibited near St. Nino's tomb inside the Cathedral of St. George.
  • Visit on January 14 to celebrate St. Nino's Day with many other pilgrims.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Sighnaghi, a taxi ride to Bodbe Monastery is the quickest option, costing approximately $3-4 and taking about 10 minutes. Taxis are readily available in Sighnaghi.

  • Walking

    The walk from Sighnaghi to Bodbe Monastery is a picturesque journey of about 2 kilometers, taking approximately 30 minutes to an hour. The route offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Be prepared for some uphill walking.

Unlock the Best of Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent Cathedral

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

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

Bodbe Monastery, officially the Monastery of Saint Nino in Bodbe, is one of Georgia's most important religious sites, located just 2 km from Sighnaghi in the Kakheti region. This sacred place marks where St. Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity in the 4th century, spent her final years and was buried. The monastery provides a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. The monastery 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 heart of the complex. The Church of St. Nino, built more recently, maintains the architectural harmony of the site. Visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped grounds with flower beds, vineyards, and lush lawns. According to legend, after St. Nino's death, her body was to be moved to Mtskheta, but it could not be moved from the spot where she was buried. King Mirian III ordered a monastery to be built on the site of her grave. Over the centuries, the monastery has been renovated and restored, with significant remodeling in the 17th century. It functioned as a nunnery until it was closed in 1924 by the Soviet government and converted into a hospital. In 1991, after Georgia's independence, the monastery was reopened and has since been restored. Pilgrims visit the monastery to worship at St. Nino's tomb and drink from the healing spring, accessed by descending 643 steps. Visitors should dress modestly, and women may want to cover their heads. The monastery also houses the miraculous Iverian Icon of the Mother of God.

Popular Experiences near Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent Cathedral

Popular Hotels near Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent Cathedral

Select Currency