Old Shuamta
Old Shuamta | |
---|---|
Religion | |
Affiliation | Georgian Orthodox Church |
Year consecrated | 5th century |
Location | |
Location | Telavi,Kakheti,Georgia |
Geographic coordinates | 41°54′38″N45°24′22″E/ 41.91056°N 45.40611°E |
Architecture | |
Type | Monastery,church,castle |
Style | Georgian |
TheOld Shuamta(Georgian:ძველი შუამთა) is aGeorgian Orthodoxmonastery in theKakhetiregion.It is located on a forested mountain about 1015 mabove sea level,and five kilometers west of the town ofTelavi,Georgia.
History
[edit]Shuamta means "between the mountains", which clearly refers to the isolated and picturesque location amidst thedeciduousforests ofGomboriof the three buildings of the old Shuamta monastery.[1]
The monastic complex contains a basilica from the 5th century and two domed churches, both from the 7th century. The largest dome-shaped church is similar in type and architecture to theJvarimonastery. All the churches of the monastery are built in carved stone. It was abandoned in the 16th century. The wife ofKing Lewan IIfounded a new monastery with the name ofNew Shuamta.The main church of the new monastery was built of brick. The walls are decorated with frescoes. The monastery buildings were repaired byErekle II.In 2008, the Old Shuamta monastery was restored.[2]
References
[edit]- ^Hofmann, Tessa (1990).Armenien und Georgien. In: Express Reisehandbuch.Mundo-Verlag. p. 293.ISBN3-87322-001-6.
- ^Georgian Soviet Encyclopedia, Vol. 11, p. 50-51, Tb., 1987.