Tabakin monastery

Not far from the city of Zestafoni is the Tabakin Monastery. Dating from the sixth century AD, named after St. George. Being almost inconspicuous at first, it became the center of the clergy of Western Georgia. It has been restored several times. In Soviet times, a valuable library with ancient books was stolen from it, and it has not yet been found.

Today it is an active male monastery.

At the end of the last century, it became popular thanks to the kennel of shepherds, organized by monks. Later, the kennel was moved beyond its limits. On the territory of the monastery there is an ancient chapel and a church of 12 apostles.

Until now, there are paintings on the walls dating back to the 16th century. The monastery is enclosed by a wooden fence. The monastery has two parts. One of them (old) with a two-nave church, chapel and crypto. Today hegumen Jacob and his novices live here. The monastery is 40 kilometers from Kutaisi. You can reach it by car or excursion transfer. You can’t get lost on your own: there are signs everywhere.