Europe
Georgia
Samtskhe-Javakheti Region
Akhaltsikhe
Things to Do in Akhaltsikhe
Sapara Monastery
See all things to do

Sapara Monastery

See all things to do
See all things to do
Sapara Monastery
4.5
#2 of 5 things to do in Akhaltsikhe
Points of Interest & LandmarksReligious Sites
Write a review
What people are saying
“"Hidden In The Mountain Forest"”
Oct 2019
A winding road up to the Monastery which is located high on a hill, isolated and still occupied by Monks. The opportunity was provided to visit the Church. The frescoes were unbelievable and still remarkably intact, considering that they date back to the 9th Century', so I believe. There was a wonderful, serene atmosphere as we walked around the Monastery. The views over the valley and surrounding countryside were spectacular. Another unique Georgian Monastery, located in another unique location.
“Magnificent location”
Oct 2019
Hidden away at the end of a windy road in a beautiful peaceful location. We were lucky to have one of the monks come over to open the church for us and tell us about the history of this 9th century place with lovely frescoes. In need of more restoration s we were happy to make a donation
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view

Top ways to experience Sapara Monastery and nearby attractions

The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 within 3 miles
Khareba
1
2.7 mi$ • Georgian
See all
Attractions
1 within 6 miles
Rabati Castle
457
Castles
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
73 reviews
Excellent
49
Very good
21
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
McG_Road_Warrior
Tokyo, Japan538 contributions
Worth the effort to get up there
Aug 2017 • Solo
High up in the mountains, this tiny monastery sits in a forest below a ruined fortress. There isn't much left of the fortress, but the monastery is in fine form. The paints, while faded, are still visible and some are still colorful. It's easy to combine this with a trip to Vardzia if you hire a taxi for the day, which set me back 80gel.
Written August 1, 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.
Luca C
173 contributions
Hidden monastery in the middle of wood
Sapara is a monastic complex located 13 km away from Akhtaltsikhe. There are 3 churches of different size, I just saw the biggest because there were restauration works. This church is very fascinating, with ancient frescoes; monks are living in the complex. A little before the monastery, on the top of the hill, there are ruines of a fortress; you can reach them in 5 minutes and enjoy the sight of Sapara that you can't have remaining on the road. The site is full green, Sapara is sorrounded by fresh woods. You can reach it only by car, taxi costs 30 lari and the road is terrible enough, but panorama of Little Caucasus is splendid.
Written November 1, 2014
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.
Pauline U
Utrecht, The Netherlands22 contributions
Nice but bumpy ride
Aug 2014
After visiting Vardzia, we visited Sapara Monastery before coming back to Akhaltsikhe. Well worth a visit but be prepared for a rocky ride since the road is not good. Location is superb, in the mountains, and views of Akhaltsikhe are very nice. Church is currently under reconstruction but can be visited. If you have already seen many monasteries, you may consider to skip this one. Can not rival with Vardzia, which is far more impressive.
Written August 17, 2014
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.
vikatw
Vienna, Austria121 contributions
Nice trip from Akhaltsikhe
Jun 2018 • Friends
If you've been in Georgia for a few days you've seen countless monasteriess so this one is nothing extraordinary. What is different is the hidden location in the forest. The drive there is over a small, windy road, which is however in impeccable condition. No potholes here. The view from the road and the flowers and agriculture along make up for the detour.
Written July 7, 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.
Boyzz C
130 contributions
Serenity is here.
Oct 2016 • Friends
You wont get enough monastry is Georgia. This one is with beautiful settings. Hill top with blue sky background together with its serene surroundings.
Written January 4, 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.
Praveen B
Tbilisi, Georgia8 contributions
The Hidden Spritual Abode
May 2016 • Solo
I am from India and attached with Sapara since 2004. I visit Sapara whenever I visit Georgia . Please read its history and it will impress you so much more. Now an all weather road is being constructed to link it with Akhaltshike town . Earlier it was cut off from the world for almost 4 month of the winter time . A place blessed by Lord.
Written May 15, 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.
ADFezzer
Doha, Qatar168 contributions
Best frescos in the country
Oct 2014 • Couples
Beautiful location, fantastic frescos, but the resident monks can be a little grumpy. Be careful which route you take to drive to the monastery as some maps are incorrect, and you can go on a wild goose chase. Well worth the trip though.
Written October 18, 2014
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.
Phillip8789
Terrigal, Australia830 contributions
"Hidden In The Mountain Forest"
Oct 2019
A winding road up to the Monastery which is located high on a hill, isolated and still occupied by Monks.

The opportunity was provided to visit the Church. The frescoes were unbelievable and still remarkably intact, considering that they date back to the 9th Century', so I believe.

There was a wonderful, serene atmosphere as we walked around the Monastery. The views over the valley and surrounding countryside were spectacular.

Another unique Georgian Monastery, located in another unique location.
Written November 24, 2019
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.
Jincognito
Gainesville, FL645 contributions
Location makes it worthwhile
Jun 2019
As is the case with so many of the Georgian monasteries, it is the location that makes it. The church is interesting, slightly run-down, and still with the feeling of a working Christian church. The road up from the town is windy but the surface is good. No problem for a regular car. The countryside is up to the usual high Georgian standards.
They say no photos, but there was no-one there to check most of the time.
Written August 9, 2019
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.
MRichardson2014
Lake of Bays, Canada935 contributions
Gorgeous setting and monastery
Jan 2019
This 10th century monastary is quite isolated and would be a challenge to get to by local transit. That said, this is part of its joy. It is located at the end of a road in the mountains 12 km outside of Akhalsikhe. The main church has beautiful frescoes and while we were there a series of prayers and hymns were sung in acapela Gerorgian harmony by the monks. Very moving.
Written January 17, 2019
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.
2
3
Showing results 1-10 of 28
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 listing

Sapara Monastery - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Sapara Monastery
Restaurants near Sapara Monastery: View all restaurants near Sapara Monastery on Tripadvisor

Sapara Monastery Information

Excellent Reviews

49

Very Good Reviews

21

Sapara Monastery Photos

146