Dariali Monastery
Modern monastery complex of rose-grey stone in the Dariali Gorge, begun in 2005, just before the Russian border crossing.
Dariali Monastery is a new monastery complex at the northern edge of Georgia, in the narrow Dariali Gorge of the Tergi River at about 1,300 m. Work began in 2005 under Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, and its first church, dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, opened in 2011. Built of grey-rose stone, the main church is modelled on the early 11th-century cathedral of Nikortsminda in Racha. For travellers entering Georgia overland from Russia, it is the first sight after the border.
The monastery stands below sheer rock walls, which makes the setting dramatic even on a short visit. The community also has a library, a cheese dairy and a wine cellar, and more churches have been built since the first opened. The gorge itself has been the main route through the central Caucasus since antiquity and was known to classical writers as the Caucasian Gates. Visit together with Gveleti Waterfall, about 4 km south.
History
The Dariali Gorge has been a key pass through the Caucasus for more than two thousand years, and fortresses guarded it from early times. The monastery is modern: it was founded in 2005 on the initiative of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, and the Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel opened in 2011. Building work on further churches has continued since.
What to see and do
- Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel
- Sheer rock walls of the Dariali Gorge
- Stonework modelled on Nikortsminda Cathedral
- Short stop combined with Gveleti Waterfall
How to visit
Getting there
The monastery is about 10 km north of Stepantsminda on the Military Road, next to the Georgian border checkpoint at Dariali. Allow about 15 minutes by car or taxi from town.
When to go
May–October. Plan 30–45 minutes here.
- Do not photograph the border checkpoint or security installations.
- Carry your passport; you are in the border zone.
- Modest dress is required inside the churches.
- Turn back at the monastery unless you are crossing into Russia; the road leads straight to the checkpoint.
Dariali Monastery: FAQ
Is Dariali Monastery old?
No. It is a modern complex founded in 2005, with its first church opened in 2011, although it is built in a traditional medieval style. The Dariali Gorge around it has been a route through the Caucasus since antiquity.
Can you visit Dariali Monastery without crossing the border?
Yes. The monastery is on the Georgian side, before passport control, and you can visit it as a short trip from Stepantsminda.
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Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Dariali Monastery.
