Doliskana, Medieval Orthodox monastery in Artvin Province, Turkey
Doliskana is a monastery standing on elevated ground above the Imerkhevi River, featuring a cross-dome design with Georgian inscriptions on its exterior walls. The complex includes arches, columns, and interior spaces arranged for liturgical purposes.
Construction of the monastery began in 901 and was completed in the middle of the 10th century under the reign of Sumbat Kuropalat. The building represents religious architecture of that era in the southern Caucasus.
The structure shows both Georgian Orthodox and Byzantine architectural features that you can see throughout its interior spaces. This blend reflects how different religious traditions met and influenced each other in this region.
The monastery sits on elevated terrain and can be reached on foot from the surrounding villages. Visitors should expect uneven ground and possibly steep paths when exploring the site.
The monastery was originally built as an Orthodox Christian church but later converted into a mosque, reflecting the region's religious shifts over time. This transformation shows how religious structures took on new purposes during periods of change.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
