The bell tower

The bell tower of Zarzma Monastery is one of the oldest and largest in Georgia and was originally part of the fortification wall with its ground floor serving as an entrance to the monastery. The bell tower was most probably first built in the 14th century and got its present appearance in the late 16th century.  

The princely Khurtsidze family, who were the owners of Zarzma Monastery in the second half of the 16th century, built the open arches on the first floor and turned it into a small chapel. There is a large inscription on the east wall of the bell tower, saying that the conversion of the bell tower into a chapel was executed by order of Parsman Khurtsidze.

The upper floor is an octagon with eight arches that support the belfry. The ground floor was originally open on both sides to the east and west and features a starry vault as its main detail. Unfortunately, it can hardly be seen today, because after the walls on the east and west side were built, it became almost completely dark on the ground floor. The open-arched pavilion of the first floor is undecorated inside.

Picture credits: SJDC

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.