Bodbe Monastery

Nino, the woman credited with converting Georgia to Christianity in the fourth century, died at Bodbe and was buried there, and the monastery grew around her grave. The present church is medieval, rebuilt several times, with the tomb in a side chapel and a bell tower beside it, approached down a long alley of cypresses that is one of the most photographed avenues in the country. It has been a convent since the nineteenth century and the nuns keep extensive gardens. Below the monastery a steep path descends through the woods to a spring associated with the saint, with a small chapel and a pool where pilgrims immerse themselves.

What you actually see

• The tomb of Saint Nino - the grave in the side chapel.
• The cypress alley - the long avenue up to the gate.
• Views over the Alazani - the valley and the Caucasus from the terrace.
• The spring below - the steep path down to the chapel and pool.

When to go

April to October. Two hours, longer with the walk down to the spring. Modest dress is required and skirts and headscarves are lent at the gate.

Honest expectations

It is a pilgrimage site and busy with groups; quiet is rare. The path to the spring is steep in both directions and the climb back is hard work. Photography inside is not permitted. The queue for the immersion pool can be long.

Nearby

Sighnaghi is north-west; Telavi lies across the valley.