Holy Rosary Church of the Virgin Mary (Catholic), Akhaltsikhe

About this activity

Holy Rosary Church of the Virgin Mary (Catholic), Akhaltsikhe

Overview

Nestled within the impressive, recently restored Rabati Castle complex that crowns a hilltop overlooking Akhaltsikhe in Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti region, the Holy Rosary Church of the Virgin Mary stands as a fascinating example of the area’s layered history and architectural transformation. This Catholic church, conspicuous with its large dome, occupies a building with a past quite different from its current function, reflecting the complex tapestry of cultures and empires that have shaped Akhaltsikhe over centuries.

The structure housing the church today was originally built around 1752 as the Ahmed Pasha Mosque (Haji Ahmed Pasha Jami) during the period of Ottoman rule in the region. Some historical accounts suggest that the mosque itself might have been constructed on the site of an earlier Georgian Orthodox church dating back to the era of the Jakeli family, the medieval rulers of Samtskhe, before the Ottoman conquest. This layering highlights the strategic and cultural importance of the Rabati fortress throughout history.

Following the Russian Empire’s capture of Akhaltsikhe in 1828, the mosque was likely damaged or abandoned. Sources suggest various fates in the subsequent period, including possible temporary use as an Orthodox church before the building eventually fell into disrepair and ruin over the following century.

A dramatic transformation occurred during the extensive restoration of the entire Rabati Castle complex between 2011 and 2012. The former mosque building was meticulously restored and repurposed, being consecrated as a Catholic church dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. It primarily serves the local Armenian Catholic community, representing their historical presence in Akhaltsikhe and the wider region. Today, the church, alongside an Orthodox church, a synagogue representation, and museum exhibits within Rabati, symbolizes a vision of historical coexistence and serves as both an active place of worship and a point of interest within the popular tourist destination of Rabati Castle.

Basic Identification

• Full Name: Holy Rosary Church of the Virgin Mary (Catholic). Georgian: ახალციხის სავარდის ღვთისმშობლის (კათოლიკური) ეკლესია (Akhaltsikhis Savardis Ghvtismshoblis (Katolikuri) Eklesia). Often referred to as Our Lady of the Rosary Church. It occupies the building of the former Ahmed Pasha Mosque.
• Type: Church (Catholic, primarily serving the Armenian Catholic community).
• Location: Located prominently within the upper citadel of Rabati Castle, Akhaltsikhe, Samtskhe-Javakheti region, Georgia.

Historical Background

• Founding: The building’s current function and dedication as the Holy Rosary Catholic Church date from the 2011-2012 restoration of Rabati Castle. The structure itself largely originates from c. 1752 as the Ahmed Pasha Mosque. Speculation exists about an earlier medieval Georgian Orthodox church on the same site under the Jakeli lords.
• Key Dates & Events:

• Medieval Period: Possible site of an earlier Jakeli-era church.
• c. 1752: Construction of Ahmed Pasha Mosque during Ottoman rule.
• 1828: Russian conquest of Akhaltsikhe; mosque likely damaged/abandoned.
• Late 19th – 20th Century: Building fell into ruin.
• 2011-2012: Building restored as part of the Rabati Castle project and consecrated as a Catholic church.

• Historical Figures: Ahmed Pasha (Ottoman governor, likely commissioner of the mosque); members of the Jakeli family (potentially linked to an earlier church). Figures involved in the 21st-century restoration project.
• Legends: Specific legends attached to the building itself (in either its mosque or current church form) are not widely documented. The broader Rabati Castle complex has its own historical narratives and legends.

Significance and Purpose

• Religious Importance: Provides a place of worship for the Catholic community (mainly Armenian Catholic) of Akhaltsikhe. Represents the continuity of Catholic faith in the region.
• Cultural Importance: As a key component of the restored Rabati Castle, it showcases the complex, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious history of Akhaltsikhe and Samtskhe-Javakheti. It stands within the complex as a symbol of the region’s diverse heritage.
• Architectural Importance: An intriguing case study in architectural adaptation and restoration. The building retains significant features influenced by Ottoman mosque architecture (notably the dome) while functioning internally as a Christian church. Its primary architectural significance stems from this historical layering and its role within the Rabati ensemble.
• Current Status: Active Catholic church located within a major state-managed historical monument and tourist complex (Rabati Castle).

Architectural and Artistic Description

• Exterior: The church is a substantial, centrally-planned building dominated by a large dome, reflecting its mosque origins. The dome was likely re-clad during the restoration, possibly with metallic tiles. The walls are stone. Arched windows punctuate the structure. A distinct, modern or heavily restored bell tower stands adjacent to the building, clearly signifying its current Christian use.
• Interior: The interior space, beneath the large dome, has been adapted for Catholic worship following the 2012 restoration. It includes an altar area at one end and space for the congregation. The decoration scheme is contemporary, dating from the restoration period.
• Artworks: Artworks within the church are modern, installed after its consecration in 2012. These likely include Catholic icons, possibly statues, and potentially stained glass windows appropriate to its dedication. No historical frescoes or mosaics exist due to the building’s previous use and period of ruin.
• Complex: The church is situated within the upper part of the extensive Rabati Castle complex. Rabati encompasses fortified walls and towers, courtyards, fountains, a Georgian Orthodox church, a representation of a synagogue, the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum, remnants of the Jakeli castle, administration buildings, hotels, cafes, and shops.

Practical Visitor Information

• Note: To visit the church, you must enter the Rabati Castle complex, specifically the upper section.
• Opening Hours: Rabati Castle typically opens daily around 10:00 AM and closes in the evening (e.g., 7:00 PM or later in summer, earlier in winter). Check the official Rabati Castle schedule for current hours. The church interior may have more limited access, possibly restricted to service times or specific posted hours for viewing. Inquire at the Rabati ticket office or information center.
• Admission Fees: An entrance fee is required to access the upper section of Rabati Castle where the church is located. The current fee should be confirmed at the Rabati entrance. Once inside the paid zone, there is no separate fee to enter the church building itself.
• Accessibility: Rabati Castle has paved walkways but also includes significant slopes, stairs, and uneven surfaces, particularly in the upper citadel area. Access to the church building itself likely involves steps. Visitors with mobility issues should inquire about specific accessibility at the complex entrance.
• Rules and Etiquette:

• Dress Code: As a functioning Catholic church, respectful attire is expected (covering shoulders and knees is recommended). Head coverings for women are generally not required in Catholic churches but dressing modestly is appropriate.
• Photography/Videography: Usually permitted in the Rabati complex grounds. Photography inside the church might be allowed, but likely without flash. Always be respectful, especially if worshippers are present.
• Behavior: Maintain quiet and respectful behavior inside the church. If a Mass or service is in progress, either wait or observe silently from the back without disturbing the congregation.

• Facilities: Extensive visitor facilities, including restrooms, cafes, restaurants, gift shops, an information center, and a museum, are available within the wider Rabati Castle complex, but not inside the church building itself.
• Service Times: Catholic Mass (likely Armenian Catholic rite) is held, but services may not be daily. Schedules typically depend on the local community’s needs and priest availability (often Sundays or major feast days). For specific times, it is best to inquire locally, possibly through the Rabati information center or Armenian Catholic sources in Georgia.