Akura church, Medieval Orthodox monastery in Kakheti region, Georgia
Akura Church is a medieval monastery church in the Kakheti region with a rectangular structure built from cobblestone and brick. The building features a horseshoe-shaped central apse and sits on the bank of the Vantiskhevi river.
The monastery was founded in the 9th century by the monk Hilarion the Georgian, who established it as a nunnery for his mother and sister. King Alexander II of Kakheti commissioned renovations in 1597 to mark his sister Ketevan's retreat to this convent.
The interior preserves faded frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries, while the outer walls bear ancient Georgian inscriptions. These artworks tell of the place's meaning for the local faith community.
The site sits on a riverbank southwest of Akura village and is accessible across open terrain. The grounds remain in active religious use by the local community and offer clear visibility of its medieval structure.
The church was not just a religious center but also a refuge for royal family members who embraced monastic life. This connection to the Georgian royal family made it a special sanctuary for noble women.
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