Ikalto Monastery

Ikalto was founded in the sixth century by one of the Assyrian fathers who brought monasticism to Georgia, and in the twelfth it became an academy under David the Builder, teaching theology alongside astronomy, philosophy, metalwork and winemaking; tradition holds that the poet Shota Rustaveli studied here. The academy building survives as a roofless stone shell in the grounds. Three churches stand in the compound, the largest of the eighth or ninth century. What visitors often remember is the yard: qvevri, the large clay wine vessels, are still set in the ground with an old stone press beside them, showing how the monastery made wine.

What you actually see

• The ruined academy building - the roofless shell of the twelfth-century school.
• Qvevri set in the ground - clay wine vessels with an old stone press.
• Three churches in one compound - the earliest of the eighth or ninth century.
• Cypress and vine around the walls - the planted enclosure.

When to go

April to October. One to two hours. Modest dress is required. Combine easily with Alaverdi and Telavi in one day.

Honest expectations

The academy is a ruin with nothing explained on site. Churches are small and plain inside. Photography inside the churches is not allowed. Tour groups pass through quickly and the site is small.

Nearby

Telavi is east; Alaverdi lies north-west.