The basilica

The church of the Green Monastery dates back to the late 8th century. It is a three-nave basilica, which is constructed mostly with coarsely hewn ashlar and rubble, sometimes showing a greenish sheen in late spring and summer, reflecting the special color of the forest around.

The floor space of the church is around 300 square meters, measuring 15 by 20 meters. The central nave is flanked by two smaller naves on the south side and the north side of the basilica.  

On the east side of the central nave, which points towards the entrance gate of the Green Monastery, as well as on the south and the north side, are two narrow windows each, letting hardly any daylight in. 

During the 8th and 9th centuries, when churches were built in the early Romanesque style, it was common sense to use small, semi-circular openings for doors and windows.  

The plain stone of the basilica has hardly any decoration with just some traces of frescoes, probably executed around the 13th century, surviving on the west wall.

Picture credits: beyondarts GmbH

Project “Increased regional added value in the tourism sectors of Georgia by Digital Heritage Tourism Guides” was funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds of Austrian Development Cooperation.