Zedazeni Monastery

About this activity

Zedazeni Monastery

Overview

Perched high on the wooded Zedazeni Mountain, commanding breathtaking views over the ancient Georgian capital of Mtskheta and the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, Zedazeni Monastery holds a place of profound significance in the history of Georgian Christianity and monasticism. Its origins are deeply intertwined with the arrival of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers, missionaries who came to Georgia from Syria in the 6th century AD to strengthen the Christian faith and establish monastic life. The monastery is traditionally considered to have been founded by the leader of this group, Saint John of Zedazeni, who chose this mountain as his place of eremitic retreat and prayer.

According to tradition, St. John lived in a cave or simple cell on the mountain, and the first church was built here during his lifetime or shortly after his death in the late 6th century. He is believed to be buried within the monastery grounds, making Zedazeni a particularly venerated site and a destination for pilgrims honoring his memory and the legacy of the Assyrian Fathers, who founded numerous monasteries across Georgia.

While the initial structures may have been modest, the main church visible today, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is generally dated to a later period, likely around the 8th century, possibly incorporating elements or standing on the foundations of the earlier sanctuary. Architecturally, it is a three-nave basilica, a form common during that era. Over the centuries, the monastery complex expanded, fortifications were added due to its strategic location, and various chapels and service buildings were constructed.

Zedazeni Monastery witnessed periods of flourishing but also suffered significant damage, particularly during the invasions of Shah Abbas I of Persia in the early 17th century, which devastated much of eastern Georgia and led to the monastery’s decline and temporary abandonment. Despite these challenges, monastic life was eventually revived.

Today, Zedazeni stands as an active male monastery, continuing the centuries-old tradition of prayer and monasticism initiated by its revered founder. Its combination of profound religious history linked to the foundations of Georgian monasticism, its ancient architectural layers, defensive remnants, and its stunning panoramic location make it a site of great spiritual and cultural importance.

Basic Identification

• Full Name: Zedazeni Monastery of St. John the Baptist (ზედაზნის წმინდა იოანე ნათლისმცემლის მონასტერი – Zedaznis Tsminda Ioane Natlistsmemlis Monasteri). Often referred to simply as Zedazeni Monastery. Strongly associated with its founder, St. John of Zedazeni.
• Type: Georgian Orthodox Monastery (active, male).
• Location: Located atop Zedazeni Mountain, overlooking the Aragvi River valley and Mtskheta, near the village of Saguramo, Mtskheta Municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, Georgia. Approximately 20 km north of Tbilisi. Altitude is significant, around 1100-1200 meters.

Historical Background

• Founding: Traditionally founded in the mid-6th century AD by St. John of Zedazeni, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers. The current main church of St. John the Baptist likely dates to the 8th century, built over or near the site of St. John’s original hermitage.
• Key Dates & Events:

• Mid-6th Century: Founding of the hermitage/monastery by St. John of Zedazeni. Death and traditional burial of St. John here.
• c. 8th Century: Construction of the present main basilica church (St. John the Baptist).
• Medieval Period: Functioned as an important monastery; fortifications added.
• Early 17th Century: Severely damaged during the invasions of Shah Abbas I of Persia; led to decline and abandonment.
• 18th-19th Centuries: Gradual revival and repairs.
• Soviet Period: Likely closed or functioned under restrictions.
• Post-Soviet Era: Full revival of monastic life; restoration and ongoing activity.

• Historical Figures: St. John of Zedazeni (founder), the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers. Shah Abbas I (associated with destruction).
• Legends: The primary narrative revolves around the life, miracles, and death of St. John of Zedazeni on this mountain. The spring near the monastery is often considered holy.

Significance and Purpose

• Religious Importance: Extremely significant as the traditional founding site associated with St. John of Zedazeni, leader of the influential Thirteen Assyrian Fathers. Considered the spiritual fountainhead of Georgian monasticism stemming from this group. Traditional burial place of St. John makes it a major pilgrimage site, especially on his feast day. Main church dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
• Cultural Importance: Represents a crucial link to early Georgian monastic history and the Syrian Christian influence brought by the Assyrian Fathers. Its location overlooking Mtskheta adds historical resonance.
• Architectural Importance: The main church is a notable example of an 8th-century Georgian three-nave basilica. The complex includes fortifications and other structures showing development over time.
• Current Status: Active Georgian Orthodox male monastery and a significant pilgrimage destination. Also a cultural heritage monument.

Architectural and Artistic Description

• Exterior:

• Main Church (St. John the Baptist): A three-nave basilica built of stone, characteristic of the 8th century. Relatively simple exterior with a gabled roof. Later additions and repairs are evident.
• Fortifications: The complex is enclosed by defensive walls, reflecting its strategic importance and turbulent history. A gate tower controls access.
• Other Structures: Various small chapels and ruins of monastic cells are located within the walls.

• Interior:

• Main Church: Basilica layout with three naves likely separated by piers. Features an eastern apse (sanctuary). Contains the traditional location revered as the tomb of St. John of Zedazeni (often covered by a canopy or structure). Walls likely had frescoes, but survival may be limited due to historical damage and renovations. Modern icons and an iconostasis furnish the active church.

• Artworks: Significant ancient frescoes are not the primary highlight due to historical damage. The site’s main “artworks” are the architectural structures themselves, particularly the basilica, and perhaps venerated icons related to St. John the Baptist or St. John of Zedazeni. The tomb structure of St. John is of high religious significance.
• Complex (for Monasteries): Includes the main St. John the Baptist basilica, defensive walls with a gate tower, various chapels (some possibly incorporating older elements), ruins and modern reconstructions of monks’ cells, and potentially other service buildings required for monastic life, all situated on the mountain plateau.

Practical Visitor Information

• Opening Hours: As an active monastery, the grounds are generally open to visitors during daylight hours (e.g., 10:00 AM to 5:00/6:00 PM). Access to the church interior may depend on service times and monastic routine.
• Admission Fees: Free entry. Donations are welcomed.
• Accessibility: Located on Zedazeni Mountain. Reaching it requires driving up a mountain road (accessed near Saguramo) which can be winding and potentially unpaved or rough in sections. The final approach may require walking. The terrain within the monastery complex can be uneven. Panoramic views are a reward. Not easily accessible for those with significant mobility issues.
• Rules and Etiquette:

• Dress Code: Strict adherence to Georgian Orthodox dress code is mandatory: women must wear skirts below the knee and headscarves; men must wear long trousers; shoulders covered for all. Preparedness is advised.
• Photography/Videography: Generally permitted outside. Inside the church, restrictions (especially flash) likely apply. Always respect signage and the monastic community’s rules. Do not photograph monks without permission.
• Behavior: Maintain quiet and respectful behavior suitable for an active monastery and holy site. Be mindful of prayers and services.

• Facilities: Basic facilities like restrooms might be available. A small kiosk selling candles or water might be present, but options are limited. Visitors should consider bringing water, especially in summer. No cafes or extensive shops on site. The nearest town with services is Mtskheta or villages like Saguramo.
• Service Times: Regular Orthodox services are conducted by the monastic community. Visitors may attend respectfully. St. John of Zedazeni’s feast day (typically May 7th Old Style / May 20th New Style) would be a major pilgrimage time.