Mgvimevi Monastery
A 13th-century cliff monastery on the eastern edge of Chiatura, built into a natural cave above the Kvirila valley.
Mgvimevi Monastery clings to a cliff in the village of Mgvimevi, on the eastern edge of Chiatura, above the Kvirila River. The name comes from mgvime, the Georgian word for cave, and the complex is set inside a large natural cave in the limestone. Its main church, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin, dates from the 13th century and is a two-nave basilica. Beside it, the small hall church of St Catherine has its ceiling and west wall cut into the rock. Smaller caves around the complex once served as wartime refuges.
Getting there is part of the experience: a long, narrow path runs along the cliff to the monastery, with views over Chiatura's gorge. Look for the carved crosses and decorative arches on the facades, a ram's head relief on the hall church, and fresco fragments that include portraits of the 13th-century founders. Mgvimevi is a working nunnery, so visit quietly. It pairs naturally with Chiatura's cable cars and the Katskhi Pillar.
History
Mgvimevi was founded in the second half of the 13th century. Fresco portraits inside show its builders: Rati, eristavi (duke) of Racha from the Kakhaberidze family, his wife Rusudan and his brother Niania. The painted iconostasis dates from the 18th century, and the bell tower and most of the monastic buildings from the 19th. Monastic life continues today, and new buildings for the nunnery were added in 2014. It is listed as a cultural monument of national significance.
What to see and do
- The 13th-century Church of the Nativity of the Virgin
- The rock-cut hall church of St Catherine
- Carved crosses and a ram's head relief
- Views from the cliff path over the Kvirila gorge
How to visit
Getting there
On the eastern edge of Chiatura, a few minutes by taxi from the town centre, then a walk along the cliff path. Chiatura is about 1.5 hours by car from Kutaisi and 3 hours from Tbilisi.
When to go
April–October. Plan 45 minutes–1 hour here.
- Dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees; women should cover their hair and wear a skirt (wraps are usually available at the door)
- Wear shoes with grip for the narrow cliff path
- Combine with Chiatura's cable cars and the Katskhi Pillar
Mgvimevi Monastery: FAQ
What does Mgvimevi mean?
Mgvimevi comes from mgvime, the Georgian word for cave. The monastery is built into a large natural cave in the cliffs above the Kvirila River.
Can visitors enter Mgvimevi Monastery?
Yes. It is a working nunnery that welcomes respectful visitors. Cover shoulders and knees; women should also cover their hair and wear a skirt.
Tours that include Mgvimevi Monastery
Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Mgvimevi Monastery.
