Ananuri Kvirike Monastery

About this activity

Ananuri Kvirike Monastery

Overview

When referring to religious sites associated with Ananuri, the focus typically falls on the famous Ananuri Fortress Complex itself, spectacularly located on the shores of the Zhinvali Reservoir along the Georgian Military Highway. This well-known complex houses two prominent churches from the 17th century, primarily dedicated to the Virgin Mary – the large Church of the Assumption (Ghvtismshobeli) and the smaller Church of the Virgin (Mkurnali). There isn’t a major, widely recognized historical monastery or church dedicated specifically to Saint Kvirike (Cyricus) located within the main Ananuri fortress ensemble itself.

However, the name “Ananuri Kvirike Monastery” might arise from confusion or association with a significant historical church dedicated to Saints Kvirike and Ivlita (Cyricus and Julitta) located in the village of Tsikhisdziri, which is situated relatively near Ananuri in the same Dusheti Municipality of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, also along the Aragvi River valley. Given the proximity and the fame of Ananuri, it’s plausible that this nearby church is sometimes contextually linked to the Ananuri area.

The St. Kvirike and St. Ivlita Church in Tsikhisdziri is a valuable monument in its own right, dating back to the High Middle Ages, likely the 10th or 11th century. It represents an earlier period of ecclesiastical architecture compared to the main churches within the Ananuri fortress. Built as a hall church, a common design for the period, it reflects the architectural styles prevalent before the later developments seen at Ananuri. Such village churches, though perhaps less grand than major monastic centers, formed the bedrock of religious life in medieval Georgia.

The dedication to the child-martyr Kvirike and his mother Ivlita is significant. These saints were particularly venerated in the highland regions of Georgia, and numerous churches bear their names. The Tsikhisdziri church would have served its local community for centuries, witnessing the region’s history unfold. While perhaps lacking the dramatic fortifications of Ananuri, the Tsikhisdziri church offers insights into the architecture and religious devotion of the earlier medieval period in this part of Georgia. Today, it stands as a historical monument, preserving architectural features and potentially fragments of frescoes from its era.

(Information below focuses on the St. Kvirike and St. Ivlita Church in Tsikhisdziri, likely referred to in the context of Ananuri)

Basic Identification

• Full Name: Church of Saints Kvirike and Ivlita of Tsikhisdziri (Georgian: ციხისძირის წმინდა კვირიკესა და ივლიტას ეკლესია, Tsikhisdziris Tsminda Kvirikesa da Ivlitas Eklesia). May sometimes be informally associated with the nearby Ananuri area.
• Type: Church (Georgian Orthodox).
• Location: Located in the village of Tsikhisdziri, Dusheti Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, Georgia. Situated in the Aragvi River valley area, relatively near the Ananuri complex.

Historical Background

• Founding: Generally dated to the 10th or 11th century. Specific founder is unknown, but its construction belongs to the High Middle Ages of Georgia.
• Key Dates & Events:

• 10th-11th Centuries: Construction of the church.
• Medieval Period: Functioned as the parish church for Tsikhisdziri and surrounding areas.
• Later Periods: Likely underwent repairs or faced periods of decline depending on regional stability. May have suffered damage during various invasions that affected the Aragvi valley.
• Modern Era: Recognized as a cultural heritage monument. Restoration efforts may have occurred.

• Historical Figures: No specific major historical figures are commonly tied to its construction, likely built through local patronage.
• Legends: Local traditions related to Saints Kvirike and Ivlita might be associated with the church, reflecting their veneration in the region.

Significance and Purpose

• Religious Importance: Historically served the local Orthodox community, dedicated to the popular martyrs Saints Kvirike and Ivlita. Remains a significant historical religious site. Its current status regarding active regular worship depends on the local Eparchy.
• Cultural Importance: A valuable example of medieval Georgian church architecture from the 10th-11th centuries in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. Contributes to the understanding of the area’s history before the main Ananuri complex construction.
• Architectural Importance: Represents the hall church (single-nave basilica) architectural type prevalent during its construction period. May feature characteristic stonework or decorative elements from the 10th-11th centuries.
• Current Status: Historical monument. May be periodically active for services, but primarily functions as a heritage site.

Architectural and Artistic Description

• Exterior: The church is a hall church, typically a rectangular building constructed of dressed stone. It would have a gable roof. The facades are likely relatively simple but may feature carved window frames, portal decorations, or crosses typical of 10th-11th century Georgian architecture. A small annex or porch might have been added later.
• Interior: Consists of a single nave, possibly covered by a barrel vault, leading to an eastern apse containing the sanctuary. Fragments of historical frescoes might survive on the interior walls.
• Artworks: The main potential artworks are fragments of medieval frescoes, if preserved. Exterior stone carvings around windows or the entrance portal are also characteristic artistic features of churches from this period.
• Complex: Likely consists primarily of the church building itself, possibly within a small churchyard.

Practical Visitor Information (Crucial for travelers)

• Note: This information pertains to the Tsikhisdziri Church, not the main Ananuri complex. It is a historical village church.
• Opening Hours: Access likely depends on local arrangements. The church may be locked outside of occasional service times or specific events. Locating a keyholder in Tsikhisdziri village might be necessary for interior access.
• Admission Fees: Unlikely. Free entry is standard for such village churches. Donations appreciated.
• Accessibility: Located in Tsikhisdziri village, reached by local roads in Dusheti Municipality. Access may involve village paths and likely steps into the church. Not designed for visitors with significant mobility impairments.
• Rules and Etiquette:

• Dress Code: If accessing the interior, standard Georgian Orthodox dress code applies: women cover heads, wear skirts/dresses below the knee, cover shoulders; men wear long trousers, cover shoulders.
• Photography/Videography: Ask permission before taking photos inside, especially if there are fresco fragments. Avoid flash.
• Behavior: Be respectful of the historical and religious site.

• Facilities: No dedicated tourist facilities expected at the church site. Necessities must be sought in larger nearby settlements or Ananuri.
• Service Times: Unlikely to hold regular weekly services unless specifically designated by the Eparchy. Services might be held on the feast day of Sts. Kvirike and Ivlita or other major holidays. Confirmation requires local inquiry.