Nekresi Monastery Complex
Nekresi Monastery Complex
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Plan your visit
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
8 within 3 miles
Attractions
15 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
134 reviews
Excellent
100
Very good
30
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Cora_v
Kyiv26,205 contributions
Jan 2012 • Friends
Nekresi monastery is located in Kakheti region in about 42km from Telavi. Its large complex spreads out over the scenic mountain, accessible by a steep twisted road winding up to the top. The road had been substantially redone during the recent reconstruction of the complex.
Nekresi monastery on the hill can only be reached either by walk, or by the monastery mini-bus. The latter departs from the improvised station by the recently restored chapel down the hill.
No private cars are allowed up to the monastery these days, and there is no parking at the upper complex. But free parking is available at the foot of the mountain, by the entrance to the complex.
When we arrived, the monastery mini-bus was just getting down. But it appeared to have run out of fuel. The attendant assured that another car was sent to Telavi a while ago to get some fuel, but it hadn’t showed up in about 30min or so.
Nekresi monastery was founded by St. Abibos Nekreseli, one of the famous thirteen Syrian fathers. Historic records mention this monastery being a bishop’s throne in the beginning of VI century. Nekresi Episcopacy lasted till XIX century, so this monastery used to be of the prime importance for centuries.
It was particularly famous for having withstood the expansion of Zoroastrianism in Georgia. In VI century, St. Abibos Nekreseli came up for the Marzpan’s trial (Marzpans were the Persian commanders and governors-general of the boundary territories) and was sentenced to death after pouring water on the Zoroaster fire to demonstrate it shouldn’t be worshipped as sacred once even water was stronger than fire.
There is one more prominent feature about this monastery: its Church of the Blessed Virgin is the only sanctuary in Georgia, where a pig is respected as a sacrificial offering. This tradition roots from the times of Muslims’ attacks on the monastery. To prevent Muslim invaders from their raming ahead, the monks of Nekresi threw the slaughtered pigs off of the monastery. The tactics proved successful, and a pig sacrifice had become ritual. We were assured this tradition is no longer performed.
Nekresi is one of the largest monastery complexes in Kakheti. Its ensemble had been gradually created from IV to XVI century. The oldest (basilica-type) church is attributed to the IV century, making it one of the earliest surviving Christian churches. The later monuments include the Blessed Virgin Church of VI-VII; the domed church of VIII-IX, the two-storey bishop’s palace of IX century facing the Alazani valley, with the later four-storey tower of XVI built by the palace; and a wine cellar (marani). Some dwelling premises and church ruins can also be found on its territory.
The entire complex had been restored recently, and is now in a very good condition. It is possible to climb the tower, and to enter the monastery churches and the ancient wine cellar. Don’t hold your breath for the wine-tasting though - the jars in marani were all empty.
The panoramic views of the Alazani valley with its vineyards and ancient ruins were spectacular even in winter.
Nekresi monastery on the hill can only be reached either by walk, or by the monastery mini-bus. The latter departs from the improvised station by the recently restored chapel down the hill.
No private cars are allowed up to the monastery these days, and there is no parking at the upper complex. But free parking is available at the foot of the mountain, by the entrance to the complex.
When we arrived, the monastery mini-bus was just getting down. But it appeared to have run out of fuel. The attendant assured that another car was sent to Telavi a while ago to get some fuel, but it hadn’t showed up in about 30min or so.
Nekresi monastery was founded by St. Abibos Nekreseli, one of the famous thirteen Syrian fathers. Historic records mention this monastery being a bishop’s throne in the beginning of VI century. Nekresi Episcopacy lasted till XIX century, so this monastery used to be of the prime importance for centuries.
It was particularly famous for having withstood the expansion of Zoroastrianism in Georgia. In VI century, St. Abibos Nekreseli came up for the Marzpan’s trial (Marzpans were the Persian commanders and governors-general of the boundary territories) and was sentenced to death after pouring water on the Zoroaster fire to demonstrate it shouldn’t be worshipped as sacred once even water was stronger than fire.
There is one more prominent feature about this monastery: its Church of the Blessed Virgin is the only sanctuary in Georgia, where a pig is respected as a sacrificial offering. This tradition roots from the times of Muslims’ attacks on the monastery. To prevent Muslim invaders from their raming ahead, the monks of Nekresi threw the slaughtered pigs off of the monastery. The tactics proved successful, and a pig sacrifice had become ritual. We were assured this tradition is no longer performed.
Nekresi is one of the largest monastery complexes in Kakheti. Its ensemble had been gradually created from IV to XVI century. The oldest (basilica-type) church is attributed to the IV century, making it one of the earliest surviving Christian churches. The later monuments include the Blessed Virgin Church of VI-VII; the domed church of VIII-IX, the two-storey bishop’s palace of IX century facing the Alazani valley, with the later four-storey tower of XVI built by the palace; and a wine cellar (marani). Some dwelling premises and church ruins can also be found on its territory.
The entire complex had been restored recently, and is now in a very good condition. It is possible to climb the tower, and to enter the monastery churches and the ancient wine cellar. Don’t hold your breath for the wine-tasting though - the jars in marani were all empty.
The panoramic views of the Alazani valley with its vineyards and ancient ruins were spectacular even in winter.
Written February 2, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roza K
Moscow, Russia52 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
Highly recommended to visit in Kakhetia!
It was founded in 4th century and is one originated wide-spreading of Orthodox in Georgia.
It cost us small price for bus to&back to go up the mountain. You will have enough time to look around and take photos.
It was founded in 4th century and is one originated wide-spreading of Orthodox in Georgia.
It cost us small price for bus to&back to go up the mountain. You will have enough time to look around and take photos.
Written June 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deyan55
Sofia, Bulgaria76 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
20 min drive. from telavi is the monastery, which now is active and renovated. from the parking one can walk up (1.2 km./20 min.) the hill, or wait for 20 people to gather to fill a small shuttle-bus (1.5 lari); 3 churches (one is the oldest /4c..A.D./ church in Georgia); beautiful scenery, strong spiritual atmosphere;.
Written May 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chrissie
Dubai, United Arab Emirates680 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
You definitely need to visit this monastery.
It's located at the almost top of a mountain, so it has some lovely views.
Definitely take the visitor bus up to the monastery, as it's a steep +2km road to the top. I'm not unfit or old, but that would have broke me. The bus will cost you about 5 lari and save you a heart attack :)
This is a great place for some lovely photos.
It's located at the almost top of a mountain, so it has some lovely views.
Definitely take the visitor bus up to the monastery, as it's a steep +2km road to the top. I'm not unfit or old, but that would have broke me. The bus will cost you about 5 lari and save you a heart attack :)
This is a great place for some lovely photos.
Written August 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristiina K
Tallinn, Estonia30 contributions
Jun 2015 • Solo
A monastery with one of the oldest church building in the world (4th century).
We happened to go when there was not many people (do not know the pattern though) and it was a memorable experience. The mini-bus what takes you to the monastery on a very twisty road, complex itself and the views were worth every effort. May be a good spot for longer and contemplative stay.
We happened to go when there was not many people (do not know the pattern though) and it was a memorable experience. The mini-bus what takes you to the monastery on a very twisty road, complex itself and the views were worth every effort. May be a good spot for longer and contemplative stay.
Written July 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irvine S
Cape Town Central, South Africa107 contributions
Aug 2011 • Solo
It is well worth making the trip up the hill. I do recommend using the shuttle bus, it is only 1 Lari. The place was a ruin but was beautifully restored around 2009 and today looks as if it had always been lovingly looked after.
Written February 1, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike J
Chepstow, UK900 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
We visited this interesting monastery with a Bishops personal wine cellar whilst in the Telavi area. There is an inexpensive shuttle bus service which allows 30 minutes to view the sight. You can walk up but the road is steep, so good stout hiking boots are recommended.
Written November 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clairechen62
Moscow, Russia56 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
I was grateful for the minibus that shuttle visitors up and down the steep and winding road from the car park up to the monastery for a small fee. The old buildings were beautiful but really the views across the valley were the real reason to visit.
Written May 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keti
Tbilisi, Georgia119 contributions
Jan 2018
Nekresi is a historic town in Kakheti, Georgia, in modern day Kvareli Municipality, near the village of Shilda. The town was established by king Pharnajom (around 2nd-1st centuries BC). In the 4th century AD, king Thrdat built a church in this place. This church became a refuge to one of the Assyrian fathers, Abibus, in the late 6th century. Around this time Diocese of Nekresi was established, which existed until the 19th century.
Written January 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeLondonSE13
London, UK8,243 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
26/9/17 - Nekresi Monastery
We three British middle aged guys are mid way through our three weeks exclusively in Georgia. This is our third visit to Georgia (July 2010 and August 2012 beforehand). We are here for the Kakheti Region's wine festival from Kutaisi via Tbilisi.
Our guest house taxi driver was taking us on a wine and attraction tour of the valley and we were dropped in the car park off the road which had a shuttle bus waiting at the base. It had to have at least eight people before it could leave but luckily another group arrived shortly after we bought our (1.50 each) tickets from the small kiosk by the shop.
There was a small shop selling honey, wine and mead but no wine by the glass, a pity.
As we waited we saw a group of people with learning difficulties that had arrived as we were leaving.
The bus wound its way up and eventually got to the heavily landscaped/accessible approach to the monastery.
A short walk up the slopes or steps got us to the impressive complex but no monks to see (as they were well behind the site in more modern accommodation!). The highlight for me being the wine ‘cellar’ with the qvevri and the huge stone grape trampling troughs. The views across the valley were pretty impressive too!
Our coach driver beckoned members of our group down, a more recent group thought it was their coach, got on and were unceremoniously ejected. It would have been a short visit if they had have left early! Remember your coach is the moral of the story!
As we descended we saw the earlier group half way down walking up slowly, so it is a difficult uphill trek and they chose not to take the bus for whatever reason!
Overall well worth the 150lari/45p each coach ride up the hill and back to see a remote and interesting monastery.
We three British middle aged guys are mid way through our three weeks exclusively in Georgia. This is our third visit to Georgia (July 2010 and August 2012 beforehand). We are here for the Kakheti Region's wine festival from Kutaisi via Tbilisi.
Our guest house taxi driver was taking us on a wine and attraction tour of the valley and we were dropped in the car park off the road which had a shuttle bus waiting at the base. It had to have at least eight people before it could leave but luckily another group arrived shortly after we bought our (1.50 each) tickets from the small kiosk by the shop.
There was a small shop selling honey, wine and mead but no wine by the glass, a pity.
As we waited we saw a group of people with learning difficulties that had arrived as we were leaving.
The bus wound its way up and eventually got to the heavily landscaped/accessible approach to the monastery.
A short walk up the slopes or steps got us to the impressive complex but no monks to see (as they were well behind the site in more modern accommodation!). The highlight for me being the wine ‘cellar’ with the qvevri and the huge stone grape trampling troughs. The views across the valley were pretty impressive too!
Our coach driver beckoned members of our group down, a more recent group thought it was their coach, got on and were unceremoniously ejected. It would have been a short visit if they had have left early! Remember your coach is the moral of the story!
As we descended we saw the earlier group half way down walking up slowly, so it is a difficult uphill trek and they chose not to take the bus for whatever reason!
Overall well worth the 150lari/45p each coach ride up the hill and back to see a remote and interesting monastery.
Written October 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingNekresi Monastery Complex, Kvareli
Frequently Asked Questions about Nekresi Monastery Complex
- Hotels near Nekresi Monastery Complex:
- (1.67 mi) Royal Batoni
- (1.53 mi) Nekresi Estate
- (2.87 mi) Chateau Kvareli
- (2.64 mi) Isev Kvareli
- (6.64 mi) Kvareli Lake Resort
- Restaurants near Nekresi Monastery Complex:
- (2.80 mi) Giglo`s Wine House
- (1.68 mi) Restaurant Royal Batoni
- (1.82 mi) Kudigora
- (2.82 mi) Nekresi Estate Restaurant
- (2.79 mi) Old Vine
Nekresi Monastery Complex Information
Excellent Reviews | 100 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 30 |
Nekresi Monastery Complex Photos | 202 |