Zarzma: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Zarzma Monastery is a Georgian architectural monument as well as an ancient ecclesiastical and literary-educational centre in Samtskhe. It is located in the Kvabliani Valley in the municipality of Adigeni within the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. When searching for accommodation, you may wish to focus on renting a holiday apartment in Zarzma.

Culture

The preserved complex includes a domed church, a bell tower and single-nave chapels, some of which are in ruins. The bell tower is described as the largest in Georgia. The southern façade of Zarzma Church has a three-arched porch, described as having no counterpart among contemporary large churches. The walls of Zarzma feature a variety of carved ornaments, and the masonry is made of stones in different colours.

The ancient Transfiguration icon of Zarzma is preserved in the Shalva Amiranashvili Art Museum as an important example of Georgian engraving art. An inscription from the late 10th century in Zarzma records the campaign of David III Kuropalates against Bardas Skleros. Zarzma also features a landmark called “Tamar's Spring”, which local tradition associates with a visit by Queen Tamar.

History

Zarzma Monastery was founded in the 9th century by the religious figure Serapion Zarzmeli. The ruins of a 13th-century church are located in Ijareti. Ijareti also has a 13th-century bell tower, described as the oldest in Georgia. Abastumani's “New Zarzma church” follows the layout and façade design of the main church of Zarzma Monastery.

Nature

The hike from Ijareti to Zarzma passes through a diverse succession of different biomes. The Ijareti–Triala Lakes–Zarzma route is classified as easy. After returning from the Triala Lakes to Ijareti, the route follows the main road for approximately 10 kilometres to the village of Zarzma.

Part of the third Triala Lake transitions into marshland. Water levels in the Triala Lakes rise in spring and summer; in winter, the lakes freeze over. The itinerary includes an overnight stay in a tent at the Triala Lakes.

Further destinations: Likani, Akhalkalaki, Abastumani, Zanavi, Akhaltsikhe, Aspindza, Didi Mitarbi, Borjomi

To the higher-level travel overview: Samtskhe-Javakheti.