Kintsvisi Monastery

The Artwork of the Kintsvisi Monastery Complex

The Kintsvisi Monastery Complex is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture. Its artwork is of immense historic importance, as it was incredibly influential in the development of Georgian monumental artwork, and medieval artwork in general. These artworks were completed over the course of several years in the late feudal period.

The 12th-13th-century St. Nicholas Church is the central, domed building of the complex. On the saints’ icons you can find Georgian Asomtavruli script and Greek inscriptions. The walls of the church are adorned with representations of historical figures and remnants of lengthy historical inscriptions.

To the northwest of the St. Nicholas Church, on the banks of the Dzama river, the Mother of God Church from the same period stands on a slope. The church is almost completely ruined, with its altar, walls, and roof damaged. The only thing preserved is the altar’s artwork, which dates back to the second half of the 13th century.

Another part of the complex is the small St. George church from the 16th to 18th centuries. It stands on a low, double-stepped pedestal by the western wall of the St. Nicholas Church. The church is built from hewn stone blocks of various sizes. A single-armed bas-relief cross is depicted over the window on its eastern façade.