Ikalto Monastery: A Cradle of Georgian Learning
Explore Ikalto Monastery: A historic Georgian center of faith, learning, and culture, near Telavi in the Kakheti region.
Nestled in the Kakheti region, near Telavi, Ikalto Monastery is a historic monastic complex dating back to the 6th century. Founded by St. Zenon, one of the Assyrian Fathers, it later became a prominent center of learning with the establishment of the Ikalto Academy in the 12th century. Today, visitors can explore the ancient churches and the evocative ruins of the academy, witnessing a vital piece of Georgia's cultural and intellectual heritage.
A brief summary to Ikalto Monastery
- Rd to Iqalto Academy, GE
- +995571306120
Local tips
- Dress respectfully when visiting the monastery; women should wear a headscarf and a skirt, and men should avoid shorts and hats.
- Consider hiring a local guide in Telavi for a more in-depth understanding of the monastery's history and significance.
- Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like the Alaverdi Monastery or the Gremi architectural complex to explore more of Kakheti's cultural heritage.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the road to the monastery can be challenging in inclement weather.
Getting There
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Taxi
From Telavi, taxis are readily available and offer a convenient way to reach Ikalto Monastery. The ride typically takes around 15 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 10 km. A taxi from Telavi to Ikalto Monastery usually costs between 4-5 USD.
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Driving
If driving from Telavi, take the road towards Akhmeta. After passing through Vardisubani and Ruispiri, you'll find a well-marked turnoff for Ikalto. Follow the road for about 1.8 km uphill to reach the monastery. Parking is available near the monastery grounds. Driving yourself will cost approximately $2 USD.
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Public Transport
While there's no direct public transport to Ikalto Monastery, you can take a marshrutka (minibus) from Telavi towards a nearby village and then walk or hire local transport for the remaining distance. Check with locals for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. The marshrutka fare is minimal, but factor in additional costs for the final leg of the journey.
Discover more about Ikalto Monastery
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Chateau Mere
2.8 km
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Jakeli Wines
3.1 km
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The Flag Monument
6.6 km
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Hestia - Hotel, Wine and View
6.9 km
Experience luxury and stunning views at Hestia Hotel in Telavi, where exquisite wines and local charm create an unforgettable getaway.
Odlisi
7.2 km
Discover the exquisite flavors of Georgian cheese at Odlisi in Telavi, where tradition meets taste in every bite.
Old Gate
7.7 km
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Mala's Garden
8.2 km
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Vakhvakhishvili fortress ვახვახიშვილების კოშკი
8.3 km
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Guesthouse Valiko
8.5 km
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Nadikvari Terrace
8.5 km
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Hotel Chateau Mosmieri
12.7 km
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თუშური ხელსაქმის სახელოსნო-მუზეუმი • Workshop-Museum of Tushetian Handicraft
13.1 km
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Tusheti Protected Areas Administration
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Twins Wine House in Napareuli - Winery and Hotel Resort
15.2 km
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Qvevri monument
16.0 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Akhali Shuamta
2.8 km
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Biodynamic.Ge
3.3 km
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Dzveli Shuamta's Monastery
3.6 km
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Wineland Telavi
4.9 km
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Bardanashvili's Marani
5.7 km
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St. Mariam's Orthodox Church
7.5 km
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Telavi Bazaar
7.6 km
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Marani Milorauli
7.9 km
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Telavi Historical Museum
8.0 km
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King Erekle II Palace
8.1 km
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Batonistsikhe
8.2 km
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Hundred-year-old Linden
8.2 km
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Giant Plane Tree
8.4 km
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Nadikvari Park
8.4 km
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Telavi Viewpoint
8.5 km
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Essential places to dine
RShuamtaestorani
2.0 km
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Restaurant Chateau Mere
2.8 km
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Artozani
3.9 km
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Amzeura
5.0 km
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EL TORO - ელ ტორო
5.7 km
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Wine Wood
6.3 km
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Khergili RESTAURANT
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Restaurant Hillside რესტორანი ჰილსაიდი
7.0 km
Experience authentic Georgian cuisine with breathtaking views at Restaurant Hillside in Telavi.
Doli
7.4 km
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Madliani - მადლიანი
7.4 km
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Sakhinkle tsitsimatiani
7.5 km
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Su Telavia - Kakheti
7.5 km
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VinoOdor - ვინოოდორი
7.6 km
Experience authentic Georgian flavors at VinoOdor in Telavi – where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Zodiako
7.7 km
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Meidani
7.8 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Market
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დიონისე
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ჭურჭლის სახლი თელავში
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ლევანტო
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მოდის სახლი• Fashion House
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M.K Brand Shop - მ.კ ბრენდ შოპი
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Ioli
7.6 km
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Gallery Telavi
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ევრო მარტი • Euro Mart
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Spar
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Biblusi Gallery
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Miniso Georgia
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Souvenirs shop. სუვენირები. ტანსაცმელი. საოჯახო საქონელი
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Carrefour Telavi
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Telavi Mall • თელავი მოლი
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Gevelli LLC
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Beer Alkhanaidze- ლუდი ალხანაიძე
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Owl Bar
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გიორგის საპარკინგე ზონა
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Tavsatekhi Bar & Games/ თავსატეხი
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100% ცოცხალი ლუდი
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Shiukashvili’s Wine Cellar
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Mareli
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Hofbrau telavi
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Alco Test Telavi
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Vine and Wine
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Schuchmann Wine Bar
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Old Bar
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