Alaverdi Monastery
Alaverdi Monastery ალავერდის მონასტერი | |
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Alaverdi Monastery | |
Shown within Georgia (country) | |
Basic information | |
Location | 25 km from Akhmeta, Kakheti Province (Mkhare), Georgia |
Geographic coordinates | 42°01′57″N 45°22′38″E / 42.032497°N 45.377108°ECoordinates: 42°01′57″N 45°22′38″E / 42.032497°N 45.377108°E |
Affiliation | Georgian Orthodox Church |
Region | Caucasus |
Architectural description | |
Architectural style | Georgian; Monastery |
Founder | Monk Joseph (Yoseb, Amba) Alaverdeli |
Funded by | Kvirike III of Kakheti |
Completed | 6th-11th centuries |
Alaverdi Monastery (Georgian: ალავერდის მონასტერი) is a Georgian Eastern Orthodox monastery located 25 km from Akhmeta, in the Kakheti region of Eastern Georgia. While parts of the monastery date back to 6th century, the present day cathedral was built in the 11th century by Kvirike III of Kakheti, replacing an older church of St. George.
History
The monastery was founded by the Assyrian monk Joseph (Yoseb, Amba) Alaverdeli, who came from Antioch and settled in Alaverdi, then a small village and former pagan religious center dedicated to the Moon. At a height of over 55 meters, Alaverdi Cathedral is the second tallest religious building in Georgia, after Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, which was consecrated in 2004. Its overall size is also smaller than the cathedral of Svetitskhoveli in Mtskheta. The monastery is the focus of the annual religious celebration Alaverdoba. Situated in the heart of the world's oldest wine region, the monks also make their own wine, known as Alaverdi Monastery Cellar.[1]
Burials
References
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