Dariali Monastery Complex — Attraction in Mtskheta-Mtianeti

Located near the Larsi Terminal, just a 3-4 minute drive from the village of Sno. The complex is open to everyone, and the main cathedral is quite large. Its architectural style is similar to that of the Sameba Holy Trinity Church in Tbilisi, adorned with large icons but no wall paintings or murals. Currently, 12 monks reside there, with their accommodations situated on the hill behind the church. A small souvenir shop inside the church is operated by the nuns, who create ceramics, icons, candles, and more.

As for the monks, they do speak in English too, you can have a nice chat with them. In addition to community work, they produce their own wine. Below the church, there is a wine cellar open to anyone interested in seeing the modern side of Georgian winemaking and cellars. They offer a variety of wines, with grapes typically sourced from Kakheti, Imereti, and Racha. The monks also have their own brand of Chacha called Dariala, which is unique due to its production method. Instead of making it solely from grape seeds, they use pure wine to distill the Chacha. Quick tastings are available, with a glass of their specialty Kvevri wine priced at 5 GEL per glass. Whole bottles are also available for purchase.

As for amenities, if you are guiding a tour, you can make a brief comfort stop at the complex, as it provides a restroom free of charge. This is a welcome alternative to the 2 GEL fee for non-western toilet stalls near the border, which are...

Our visit to the Dariali Monastery complex in Kazbegi with my family was truly remarkable. The outer view of the monastery was absolutely breathtaking. Not only did it provide us with a sense of historical wonder, but it also offered a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. From this vantage point, we could even catch a glimpse of the Russian border, adding a unique and intriguing dimension to our visit. One of the highlights of our time at the Dariali Monastery was the opportunity to capture the mesmerizing scenery through our cameras. We spent a good amount of time taking photographs, each one a cherished memory of our visit to this incredible place. Overall, our experience at the Dariali Monastery complex was a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and family togetherness. It's a place we won't soon forget, and we highly recommend it to anyone exploring the...

Perched dramatically in the rugged Dariali Gorge, near the Georgian-Russian border, stands the imposing Dariali Monastery Complex (დარიალის მონასტერი). This relatively new, yet spiritually profound, monastery serves as a crucial spiritual and symbolic outpost in Georgia's remote highlands. ​Its strategic location, overlooking the historic Georgian Military Road and the tumultuous Terek River, gives it a unique significance as a "border monastery." It acts as a beacon of Georgian Orthodoxy and national identity in a region that has historically been a crossroads of cultures and conflicts. The monastery's grand architecture, echoing ancient Georgian styles, powerfully asserts faith's presence at the very edge of the nation, offering solace and strength in a challenging,...