Nikozi

Location

Nikozi is located in Gori municipality in the Shida Kartli region, on the banks of the Didi Liakhvi River, and can be reached from Tbilisi in little more than an hour.

The History of Nikozi

A number of historical sources tell stories about Nikozi. Various discovered artifacts prove its rich cultural history, such as bronze bracelets belonging to the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages. Archeologists have also found a bronze plate created in the Late Middle Ages, depicting the image of a saint.

In the 5th century, Vakhtang Gorgasali built Nikozi Church of the Deity, also known as Ghvtaeba. As of today, a cultural monument of national significance - the cross-domed temple - still stands on the foundations of this church.

What Can be Seen in Nikozi?

There are several churches in Nikozi including Zeda Nikozi Church of the Archangel, Zeda Nikozi Church of the Deity, Kveda Nikozi Kviratskhoveli Church, and Kveda Nikozi Church of St. George.

The Church of the Archangel dates back to the 10th century, where stone was used as the primary construction material. Since 2006, the Church of the Archangel has had the status of the Immovable Cultural Monument of National Significance.

Meanwhile, the Church of the Deity is located in the center of Zeda Nikozi, representing a combination of four structures from different times - the Church of the Deity itself, the bell tower, the  palace of the bishop, and the fence surrounding the church. It was first built in the 5th-6th centuries as a three-nave basilica, however it has been rebuilt and reconstructed several times over the years. 

Kveda Nikozi Kviratskhoveli Church is a striking remnant of the late feudal epoch. The hall-type church, built with cobblestone and tuff stone, is currently seriously damaged, and in need of reconstruction. Meanwhile, the Church of St. George was built in the same epoch, and is similarly in need of reconstruction.