Sentinsky and Shoaninsky temples X c.

Sentinian Christian temple

Built in the first half of the X century. Its clear masses harmonize with the composition of the plan: the building belongs to a rather rare type of temples, in terms of the so-called pure (not complicated by extensions) cross. On the middle crest rests the head - a cylindrical drum with eight windows and a low hemispherical dome, once crowned with a metal cross.

The only semicircular apse is cut through three windows; it rests on a multi-stage base open from the outside. Inside the temple there are three entrances with lunettes. Through the main, western entrance we enter the temple. Perhaps one of the main attractions of the Sentinsky temple is its frescoes that covered the entire interior. Now they have preserved minor fragments, moreover, heavily covered with "autographs" of modern visitors.

Shoanin temple.

This is the temple of St. George the Victorious, built by Alans in the IX-X centuries. It is located on the southeastern rock spur of Mount Chuana (Shoana). Around the temple in the Middle Ages there was a settlement and the construction of a male monastery, some of which were recently restored by local residents. Another attraction of this place is a grove of redwood (berry yew), planted by monks on the very top of Chuana. Around the perimeter of the central part of the rock is surrounded by numerous burial grounds of the VIII-XII centuries, which are extensive deep caves, carved into an exceptionally solid volcanic basalt.

Outside, the tombs were closed with a stone wall and lined with lime mortar. Together with the temple, rock tombs, remnants of the settlement and relic forest, the rock is a single historical, cultural and natural complex.