Old Shuamta, Orthodox monastery in Kakheti region, Georgia
Old Shuamta is an Orthodox monastery complex with three stone churches set in the Gombori mountains of eastern Georgia. The site sits at about 1015 meters elevation among forests and contains a triple-naved basilica alongside two domed churches.
The monastery was built between the 5th and 7th centuries and reflects the early church construction methods of that period. The complex was abandoned in the 16th century and then fell into disuse.
The name Shuamta comes from Georgian and means 'between the mountains', reflecting how the religious complex sits within the mountainous terrain. Visitors can still see Georgian stone carvings on the churches that show the skill of the medieval craftspeople who built them.
The monastery sits about 5 kilometers (3 miles) west of Telavi town and is surrounded by forest, so wear sturdy shoes and dress for changing weather. The site is accessible on foot, but the mountain elevation means the walk takes some physical effort.
The largest domed church shows architectural links to the Jvari monastery and displays fine stone carving techniques. These connections suggest that skilled builders or the same workshops may have worked on multiple Georgian religious buildings of the period.
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