Ushguli church of the Mother of God, Medieval Orthodox church in Zhibiani village, Ushguli community, Georgia.
Ushguli church of the Mother of God is a basilica with a projecting apse and ambulatory, standing at 2100 meters elevation in Zhibiani. Its interior walls are covered with medieval frescoes depicting scenes from Christian tradition.
The church was built between the 9th and 10th centuries, showing typical features of the Svaneti region with defensive stone walls. The attached tower reflects the practical needs of a mountainous, frequently contested area.
The name Lamaria connects the Christian Mother Mary with an ancient Georgian goddess of motherhood. This blend reflects how older beliefs and Christian faith coexist in the local religious thinking.
The church is located at the northern edge of Zhibiani and opens daily from 09:00 to 18:00 with free admission. At this elevation, be prepared for changing weather and wear sturdy shoes for the mountainous setting.
The church walls contain scratched messages and inscriptions from worshippers in various Georgian scripts, preserving prayers across generations. These personal marks form a unique record of folk devotion at this sacred place.
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