Iprari Archangel Church

The Structure of Iprari Archangel Church

Like many Georgian churches, the Iprari Archangel Church doubled as a fortification. A wall surrounds the hill upon which the church is built, doubling as a support for the terrace.

The hall-type church is made from travertine blocks and covered by a semi-cylindrical arch. It is finished with a simple cornice. The entrance is from the west. The altar is to the east, in a semi-circular apse, raised two steps above the hall. It is separated from the rest of the space by a triple-arched iconostasis.

The Frescoes of Iprari Archangel Church

While the facades of the church are plain, it is believed the frescoes of the church were painted by the royal painter Tevdore at the end of the 11th century, although some contend that the paintings were done much later.

Like all Svan churches, the outer facade is also painted. The main theme of the frescoes may have been the Archangel Michael but nowadays only traces of paintings remain on the southern facade, where they are preserved in only a few places.

In 2006 the church was granted the status of an Immovable Monument of National Importance.