Dariali Monastery

The monastery stands on a rocky ledge at the narrowest point of Dariali Gorge. Sheer walls rise up to 1,000 m on either side; the Terek River roars below. The complex includes the main Church of the Archangels, several smaller churches, and residential quarters for the monks. The plan calls for 12 churches in total – construction continues.

The main church is clad in hewn stone of a pinkish-grey hue. The interior is adorned with mosaics created by the monks by hand: biblical scenes and ornaments in Georgian style. Metal lanterns and crosses are also the monks' work. Despite the building being less than 20 years old, the interior feels ancient: dim light, stone walls, incense.

From the terrace in front of the church, views stretch up and down the gorge. A kilometre further along the road is the Larsi border crossing, where endless queues of trucks wait. On the way back to Stepantsminda, ruins of the ancient Dariali Fortress are visible – a fortification from the "Gate of the Caucasus" era.

Age – built 2005–2011, main church consecrated by Patriarch Ilia II in 2011

Architecture – modelled after 11th-century Nikortsminda; material: hewn pinkish-grey stone

Decoration – mosaics, metalwork, and stone carving all handmade by resident monks

Location – 1,300 m above sea level, 1 km from the Russian border

Plan – 12 churches in the complex, construction ongoing

Dariali Gorge is one of the oldest crossing points through the Caucasus. The name comes from the Persian "Dar-i-Alan" – "Gate of the Alans." Ancient writers (Pliny, Strabo) mentioned it as a strategic passage between the North and South Caucasus. Over centuries, the gorge was controlled by Georgian, Persian, and Arab rulers. Between the monastery and the border, ruins of Dariali Fortress survive – a fortification dating to late antiquity and the early medieval period.

The decision to build a modern monastery in the gorge was made by Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II in 2005. The location was chosen symbolically – at the border between two nations. At the church's consecration in 2011, the Patriarch expressed hope that the monastery would serve the cause of peace between Georgia and Russia. Today the complex is an active monastery with permanent brethren, receiving pilgrims and tourists daily.

From Stepantsminda (10 km, 15 min):

– Taxi – 20–30 GEL (~$7–11) one way, 50–80 GEL including a wait and stops at Gveleti Waterfalls and Tsdo village

– Own car: follow the Georgian Military Highway towards the border. Paved road through a tunnel. Parking at the monastery

From Tbilisi (160 km, 3–3.5 hrs):

– Marshrutka to Stepantsminda (15–20 GEL / ~$6–7), then taxi

– Car rental

– Day tour: usually includes Gergeti + Gveleti + Dariali

Note: The road passes the Larsi border checkpoint. Long queues of trucks line the roadside – drive carefully when passing.

Season: Year-round. The monastery is open daily. In winter the road is maintained but may be icy.

Time of day: Late afternoon – golden light on the stone walls. Morning – quieter with fewer visitors.

Duration: 30–40 minutes for the monastery. Combined with Gveleti and Tsdo village – half a day.

Avoid: Service hours (morning liturgy) if you want to freely explore the church interior.