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Timotesubani Monastry Complex |
The cupola church of Timotesubani (Timote district) is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin. Its construction dates back to the Golden Age of Georgia – the 12-13th. c.c. It is one of the most important samples of Georgian architecture. For its unique paintings it is protected by the World Culture Saving Foundation. When one enters the cathedral, the large replica of the imprint, created in the 1st c. (that is currently in Tbilisi) of the Savior face is to be prayed to first. Then a splendid painting of the Last Judgment Day attracts one’s attention. The composition covers 20 sq. meters of the grey church wall. From the alter the whole figure of the Holy Virgin looks mercifully down at the people praying.
The main church has no inscriptions. But another smaller chapel in the monastery has one above the western window: “qriste adide sulita shalva eristavt eristavisa” ( “Christ have mercy on Shalva Lord of Lords”). According to the scholars, here lies the tomb of Shalva Eristavi – the legendary hero of the Golden Age of Georgia.
The cloister is situated in a really marvelous place. As you walk along the canyon-like gorge, only the noisy river accompanies you. All of a sudden, just around the bend, the splendid reddish-pink building of the monastery will shine on you like a fire burning brightly.
Timotesubani has historically been the home for those who dedicated their lives to God. It is only through the memories of the people that the name of Timote has been kept for the monastery. Timote is, perhaps, the person who established this place of the Holy Virgin. The monastic life continues here – monks still serve, pray and glorify the Creator in Timotesubani.
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Kvabiskhevi Church of the Virgin
One of Borjomi’s ancient and interesting buildings is the Church of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin in the village of Kvabiskhevi, which is in the historical region of Meskheti, Georgia. It is a three-basilica church of the 8-9th c.c., but the paintings belong to the 12-13th.c.c. The most noticeable frescos are the figures of a man and a woman dressed in rich garments. The inscription are in Old Georgian - ” Shotai” and “Iai”.
The man in the painting is considered to be an outstanding poet of the 12th c. Shota Rustaveli, and the woman is his mother - Ia. Meskheti, according to common deliberation, was the native country of the great poet. The legend says that an aunt of the poet was married to a man from that area, and little Shota got his first education in the village.
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Daba Church
The Village Daba church of St. George is an ancient and powerful chapel of religious worship. It is not visible from the road, but is hidden in the depth of the woods like a bird in its nest. The church is half covered by a cave. The inscription on its wall informs us that the building was built in 1333 by the treasurer of the Georgian King Giorgi V Brtskhinvale (the Brilliant).
The church has two entrances. The Northern one – is plain, but the Western entry and the window above it are richly ornamented and arched.
The church has no door. According to the legend, it was hung many times and every time it fell down for no reason! After several attempts no-one tried again to fasten the door to the church.
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Chitakhevi (Green Monastry)
If a couple of kilometers distance from Borjomi you turn right and follow a narrow, dense gorge through the wood, you will come across a monastery – just in the middle of the forest, in what feels like a green paradise. Here, as in ancient times, monks still offer their prayers to God for the people and country. If you walk there, you may even have the chance to hear the cries of wild animals in the distance. This monastery is from the 9-10th centuries and was built by Christophore and Tevdore – the apprentices of the outstanding religious figure in Georgia – St. Grigol of Khandzta. The church consists of three basilicas and a bell-tower, where one can still see typical ornaments of Georgian stone-carving.
The monastery has experienced numerous attacks by various enemies, the trace of which is still visible as a marvelous miracle – there still exist spots of blood of the martyred monks on the stones in the brook that flows by the church. Time and the current of water have not had the power to remove the spots. These are the most sacred aspect of the cloister
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Gogia Fortress
Gogia Fortress with its uniquely shaped walls and towers looks down on the town from the North-West hill. In Georgian architecture such square towers have not been used since the 14 th century. So, the building is assumed to belong to the Middle Ages. From its tower you can enjoy fantastic views of the town. Since the 15 th c. the fortress was in the possession of the feudal family of the Avalishvlilis – the owners of the Borjomi Region. The building still bears the name of Gogia Avalishvili.
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