Kortskhel Monastery named after the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

The Kortskhel monastic complex, nestled approximately 7 kilometers northeast of Zugdidi in the village's central region, commands a picturesque perch atop a lofty hill.

 

Comprising a church, surrounding walls, and a three-story tower, this ensemble holds a rich tapestry of history and religious significance. While historical records attribute the construction of the Church of the Mother of God of Kortskhel to Levan II Dadiani between 1624 and 1639, some references suggest an even earlier origin, dating back to the tenth century. Remarkably, an eleventh-century icon of the Mother of God from Kortskhel has endured through the ages as a cherished relic.

 

Levan II Dadiani's benevolence extended to the Kortskhel church, which he generously bestowed upon the Jerusalem Cross Monastery, along with a hundred serfs residing in the village. Symbolizing a spiritual nexus akin to Christ's tomb, the temple served as a pivotal hub of religious life. Notably, the esteemed Georgian cleric and public figure, Nikoloz Irubakidze-Cholokashvili, left an indelible mark on the Kortskhel monastery with his devout service.

 

Architecturally, the church boasts a domed cross-shaped design ensconced within a square footprint, meticulously crafted from cut limestone and adorned with intricate lime solutions. Its robust walls, constructed from hewn boulders larger than the inner structure, exude resilience and craftsmanship. Adorned with three entrances and eight windows, the church's eastern facade features three semi-circular apses housing the central altar, sacristy, and deacon's room, each illuminated by delicately carved windows. Semi-cylindrical arches gracefully unite the nave, while the dome's tapering throat adds to the temple's architectural allure. A tin-covered roof crowns the structure, while the gate, flanked by four pillars, invites worshippers from the west.

 

In 1990, after a period of dormancy, church services were joyously reinstated within the hallowed confines of the Kortskhel Cathedral, rekindling its spiritual vitality. Every year, the temple's feast day on the day of Mary is commemorated with reverence and jubilation.

 

Recognizing its profound cultural and historical significance, the Kortskhel monastic complex was bestowed the esteemed status of a material cultural heritage monument in 2006, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.