Khandzta, Medieval Georgian monastery in Artvin Province, Turkey
Khandzta is a medieval monastery complex in Artvin Province comprising several interconnected structures. The main stone church, a separate chapel, a water installation, and a bell tower form the core of this site, with construction occurring across multiple centuries.
The monastery originated in the 8th century when Gregory established the first wooden structures on the site. Decades later, a Georgian nobleman ordered the construction of stone buildings, transforming it into a more permanent religious settlement.
The monastery served as a hub for Georgian monks who created and copied religious texts within its walls. Visitors can still observe the spaces where this scholarly work took place.
The monastery is located in Pırnallı village and can be reached via the main road connecting Artvin and Ardahan. The structures sit on a raised terrace, so visitors should expect a short climb to view the buildings.
The medieval chapel features an unusual adaptation where its eastern wall was modified to function as a water source. This shows how the monastery integrated daily practical needs directly into its religious architecture.
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