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Martvili is just 70kms, or two hours drive, from Zugdidi. We visited Martvili to learn more about its history. We think it was a great decision to go there.
A very large oak tree on a tall foothill once marked the prayer grounds for fertility, fruitfulness and prosperity for all the locals. In the 1st century, Apostle of Christ - Andrew the first, converted the natives who then cut down this oak tree and built a Christian church in its place.
The Martvili-Chkondidi Cathedral was built in the late 7th century. Revered as the gem of Georgian masonry, this cathedral rests on the roots of the old oak tree.
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| Martvili's church from below on April 15, 2011. Photo by Megi Zhvania. |
During the 10th century, King of Abkhazia Giorgi II, designated Martvili-Chkondidi Monastery as an episcopal centre. The cathedral has retained its name.
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The Martvili Monastery was considered a major educational centre. It is the final resting place of King Bagrat IV, whose contributions to the cultural and educational development of Georgia are immense. As a cultural and educational center for the whole of western Georgia, this centre not only created original literary works, but also translated many pieces to and from Georgian. Some of the most famous Georgian religious philosophers and educators who worked and lived at the Martvili Monastery are listed below:
• Stephane Chkondideli - 10th century
• Giorgi Chkondideli - 11th Century
• Johan Chkondideli - 11th Century
• Svimon Chkondideli - 12th Century
• Anton Chkondideli - 13th Century
• Arsen Chkondideli - 13th Century
• Anton Chkondideli - 15th Century
• Romanoz Mesvete - 19th Century
Among them, the most famous was Giorgi Chkondideli who was a mentor and trusted advisor to King David the Builder.
The Martvili Monasterial Complex has a strategic geographic location from where most of western Georgia can be seen.
The main cathedral is named "Blessed Virgin Repose Cathedral". During the Turkish-Arabic invasions it was almost completely destroyed, but in the 10th century Giorgi II rebuilt it.
Some of the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th century frescoes are still preserved in the main cathedral and they represent some of the highest quality craftsmanship in Georgian history.
-Megi Zhvania and Tsotne Chiqovani
• Giorgi Chkondideli - 11th Century
• Johan Chkondideli - 11th Century
• Svimon Chkondideli - 12th Century
• Anton Chkondideli - 13th Century
• Arsen Chkondideli - 13th Century
• Anton Chkondideli - 15th Century
• Romanoz Mesvete - 19th Century
Among them, the most famous was Giorgi Chkondideli who was a mentor and trusted advisor to King David the Builder.
The main cathedral is named "Blessed Virgin Repose Cathedral". During the Turkish-Arabic invasions it was almost completely destroyed, but in the 10th century Giorgi II rebuilt it.
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Some of the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th century frescoes are still preserved in the main cathedral and they represent some of the highest quality craftsmanship in Georgian history.
-Megi Zhvania and Tsotne Chiqovani
