|
Kintsvisi Monastery Kintsvisi Monastery is definitely a highlight not only in the Shida-Kartli region, but in Georgia as a whole. The whole monastery complex, the location, the medieval architecture, but above all the colourful frescoes of Kintsvisi leave an unforgettable impression on every visitor. Monastery complex 1. Main church from the 12th and 13th centuries - dedicated to St Nicholas Main church of Kintsvisi - dedicated to St Nicholas The main church of the monastery was built of brick between the 12th and 13th centuries and is architecturally a cross-domed church. It is 24.3 metres high and 19.7 x 14 metres wide. The main church has three entrances, from the west, south and north. The southern and northern portals were added to the church in the 14th century. The dome has 12 narrow windows that allow plenty of light to enter the church. On both sides of the altar there are two-storey rooms. On the first floor is the proskomody room and the second floor is the sacristy. On the second floor are two secret rooms. They can only be reached through a hidden opening with the help of a ladder. Frescoes of Kintsvisi The church was painted during the reign of Queen Tamara in the 13th century and the frescoes are in Old Georgian (Asomtavruli). Only the Crucifixion is in Greek. Altar apse The painting of the apse is divided into three registers. The first upper register shows the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus and six angels. The second register, to the north, shows the Lord's Supper with Jesus and 12 apostles. In the middle are St Nicholas and St Sylvester I. The third register, at the bottom, depicts the Fathers of the Church. Northern wall The lower register depicts historical figures: King Giorgi III, his daughter Queen Tamara and Queen Tamara's son Lascha-Giorgi. They are turned slightly to the left towards the altar, with their hands in the position of prayer. In front of King Giorgi III, Jesus sits on the throne with the sign of the blessing. Further up, on the northern side, is the entry into Jerusalem and at the top are the women at Jesus' tomb. To the left and right of the north wall On the left (western side) are the Raising of Lazarus, the Transfiguration and the Pietà (Our Lady of Mercy). On the right (eastern side) in the lower register is the descent into the underworld (descent into hell) and thus the resurrection of Jesus. In the upper register is the Crucifixion, and further up is the Baptism of Jesus. Southern wall The following scenes are depicted on the south wall Annunciation, Birth of the Virgin Mary, Presentation of Mary in the Temple, Birth of Jesus, Resurrection, Pentecost, მკერდისა განხილვა ქრისტესი თომასაგან, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the Last Supper. In the lower register of the southern side, the painter Anton is depicted with the model of the church in his hand and at his side three holy warriors, including St. George. Western wall On the west side, the painting is divided into six sections. At the top is the life cycle of St Nicholas. Further down are other saints such as Barbara, Julitta, David Gareja. On the western side you can also see the life cycle of St. George. The painting of the narthex dates from the 15th century and most of it has not been preserved. The Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus and the Grand Duke Zaza Panaskerteli in the lower register are still clearly visible. What was the blue paint used in Kintsvisi? The blue paint in Kintsvisi, and in Georgian monasteries in general, comes from a rarely found material - lazurite. Lasurite occurs mainly as a component of lapis lazuli, but also in pure form as dodecahedral and, more rarely, cubic crystals, or as granular to massive and ingrown mineral aggregates. Since the Early Bronze Age there has been a mining area in south-eastern Georgia, south of the town of Bolnissi, where iron, copper and lazurite were processed. Blue Angel of Kintsvisi Above the royal family, the famous Blue Angel of Kintsvisi can be admired on the left (northern) wall. Here, too, lapis lazuli was used for the blue paint, and both the material and the artistic side of the painting bear witness to the cultural and economic wealth of the country in the 12th century. 12th and 13th century basilica - dedicated to the Virgin Mary The 12th-13th century basilica (11.2 x 4.5 m) stands northwest of the main church, above the Dzama River. The church is badly damaged and is undergoing renovation (as of 2019). The interior of the church was completely painted in the 13th century, but only fragments of frescoes remain. Frescoes that have survived In the apse, there is the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus and the archangels Michael and Gabriel. The Holy Communion is depicted at the bottom of the second register. At the very bottom of the second register are two miracles of Jesus: "The Storm on the Sea of Galilee" and "The Raising of the daughter of Jarius". Further down are the figures of St Stephen and St Giorgi-Prochore (founder of the Monastery of the Cross in Jerusalem). In the third register are the Fathers of the Church. Small basilica, 16th-18th century, dedicated to St George. The small basilica (5.1 x 4.5 m), built with sandstone ashlars of various sizes, dates from the 16th to 18th centuries and stands close to the western wall of the main church. The entrance is on the south side. The church is dedicated to St George and the new painting of the church is dedicated to the life of St George. How to get to the Kintsvisi Monastery The monastery is located 11 km from the town of Kareli and 3.4 km from the village of Kintsvisi. The road to the monastery is in good condition. |
