Khirsa monastery, Orthodox monastery in Kakheti region, Georgia

Khirsa is an Orthodox monastery complex in the Kakheti region with a central domed church supported by four columns and entrance doors on the west and south sides. The complex includes a bell tower and fortification walls that encircle the main structures.

The monastery was founded in the 6th century by Stephen, one of thirteen Syrian monks who brought monastic traditions to Georgia. This founding period shaped religious and cultural development in the region for centuries.

The monastery is dedicated to Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, whose tomb lies in a chapel north of the sanctuary. A relic, his finger, was kept here until it was moved to Bodbe Convent. The south window's architrave carries carved crosses with asomtavruli inscriptions naming Gagik of Kakheti and King Leon.

Access is provided by easy paths, and the site has an open layout making it simple for visitors to explore the architecture and grounds. A typical visit takes about one to two hours and requires only basic mobility.

A stone set upside down in the arch beneath the dome carries an inscription in asomtavruli letters dated 886, naming a now-illegible eristavi. The south window's architrave has three relief crosses; the left arm names Gagik of Kakheti, the right mentions Giorgi, probably an archbishop.