Shuamta Monastery Complex

Old Shuamta sits in a clearing surrounded by deciduous forest. Three churches stand close together: the 5th-century basilica – one of Georgia's oldest Christian buildings, with plain stone walls and no ornamentation. Beside it, two 7th-century domed churches on cross-shaped plans. The larger one resembles Jvari Monastery near Mtskheta in type and proportions. All three churches were built without decorative carvings – smooth stone, austere lines. The complex has been recently restored. The monastery is no longer active – the interiors are bare, but the atmosphere of silence surrounded by forest and mountains is striking.

New Shuamta is a functioning convent. The main building – the Cathedral of the Khakhuli Virgin – is built of red brick and cobblestone with stone carvings and turquoise accents. The cathedral walls are painted with vivid 17th-century frescoes. At the entrance gate, ring the bell and wait for a nun to open and lead you to the church. Photography on the grounds is not permitted. Inside the cathedral are the tombs of Queen Tinatin, King Levan, and the 19th-century poet Alexander Chavchavadze.

The original Khakhuli Triptych – the monastery's main relic – is held at the National Art Museum of Georgia in Tbilisi. An exact replica remains in the monastery.

Age – Old Shuamta's basilica dates to the 5th century, among Georgia's oldest churches

Two complexes – Old Shuamta (5th–7th c.) and New Shuamta (16th c.), 2 km apart

Architecture – the 7th-century domed church resembles Jvari Monastery (Mtskheta)

Burials – New Shuamta holds the tombs of Queen Tinatin, King Levan, and poet Alexander Chavchavadze

Relic – replica of the Khakhuli Triptych (original in the National Museum in Tbilisi)

Old Shuamta was founded in the 5th century. The first building – a triple-nave basilica – is one of the earliest examples of Christian architecture in Georgia. In the 7th century, two cross-shaped domed churches were added, characteristic of Georgian ecclesiastical architecture of that period. The monastery operated for over a thousand years before being abandoned in the 16th century.

New Shuamta was built in the 16th century with the patronage of Queen Tinatin, wife of Kakhetian King Levan. According to legend, Tinatin saw the location of the future monastery in a dream. Unable to forgive her husband's infidelities, she took monastic vows and lived here as a nun until her death in 1591. In 1926, Soviet authorities closed the convent. After Georgia regained independence in 1989, monastic life resumed. Today, New Shuamta is an active convent.

From Telavi (7 km, 10–15 min):

– Taxi – 10–15 GEL (~$4–6), ask the driver to wait or arrange pickup

– Car rental – parking at both complexes

– On foot or by bike – 7 km from central Telavi along the Gombori road

From Tbilisi (100 km, 1.5–2 hours):

– By car via Gombori Pass – Shuamta is on the way, 2 km before Telavi

– By marshrutka to Telavi, then taxi

Between the monasteries:

New Shuamta to Old Shuamta – 2 km along a forest road (30 min on foot or 5 min by car).

Season: April–November. Autumn (late August–October) is best: the forest is colorful, weather is comfortable. In winter, the road to Old Shuamta can be muddy.

Time of day: Morning is quietest, especially at Old Shuamta. At New Shuamta, avoid service hours (typically early morning and evening).

Duration: 1–1.5 hours for both complexes. 30–40 minutes each.

Avoid: Sundays at New Shuamta – church services may prevent visitor access.