Ikalto Monastery, 1977

Georgia

Ikalto Monastery complex, near Telavi, consists of three churches and outbuildings. Although small, it holds historical significance as one of Georgia's earliest monasteries and the oldest in Kakheti, founded by Zenon of Ikalto after the mid-6th century. The current structures date back to the 8th century, coinciding with the rise of the independent Kakheti kingdom. Wine presses and cellars from this period are partially preserved. In the 12th century, King David the Builder commissioned the.. Read more » Church of the Dormition and an academy, where Shota Rustaveli famously studied. Shah Abbas burned the academy in 1616, effectively ending its operation. The monastery, subsequently restored in the 19th century, remained largely inactive until then.