Iqalto Monastery: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

The Iq’alto monastery complex comprises the 6th-century Trinity Church, the 8th–9th-century Transfiguration Church, and the 12th–13th-century All Saints’ Church. The academy was an important educational institution in medieval Georgia and was founded in the 11th–12th century by Arsen Ikaltoeli.

History

A monastery was founded in Iq’alto in the 6th century by the Assyrian Father Zenon. In the 4th century, Iq’alto had the status of a city. The Iq’alto Academy was the first institution of higher education in Georgia. Its curriculum followed the trivium–quadrivium system; disciplines included theology, astronomy, philosophy, geography, geometry, viticulture, and pharmacology. Blacksmithing, ceramics, viticulture, and wine production were also taught at the academy. According to local tradition, Shota Rustaveli studied in Iq’alto.

The Iq’alto Monastery Complex preserves an academy building, a refectory, a wine cellar, as well as the remains of six churches and several other buildings. Ruins of classrooms and a refectory are visible on Iq’alto’s upper terrace. The ruins of the Iq’alto Academy also preserve remains of a cathedra and windows with shelving boards.

Culture

Iq’alto has 59 churches and monasteries associated with the historical and cultural heritage of the village. The annual Shotaoba festival takes place in Iq’alto on the last Sunday in October. Chateau Ikalto offers Georgian and European dishes together with Kakhetian wine.

Archaeological excavations have identified former workshops, a wine cellar, a forge, and agricultural buildings around the academy. Visitors can also see a large stone wine press preserved in Georgia.

Geographical Setting

Iq’alto lies on the northeastern slope of the Gombori Range and is 7 kilometers from Telavi. The site is on a slope; the path between the churches is so uneven that sturdy footwear is required.

Those wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Iqalto Monastery can continue their accommodation search afterwards. Other destinations: Sagarejo, Tkhilistskaro, Telavi, Gurjaani, Kachreti, Kvareli Municipality, Eniseli, Lagodekhi.

To the overview of the wider travel region: Kakheti.