Akhali Shuamta
Akhali Shuamta is a monument of Georgian architecture in Telavi Municipality. It is a monastery complex and its main building — the Church of the Virgin Mary — was built in the 16th century under the patronage of Queen Tinatin, the wife of the King Levan of Kakheti (according to the will, she is buried there).
It belongs to the group of churches of Kakheti, which is distinguished by certain features: these are brick domed buildings of great proportions. The plan follows the tradition developed in the previous centuries: a short rectangle without arches, an apsidal altar, three rectangular arms and a beamed apse. The dome rests on two free-standing pillars and the walls of the altar, there are 8 narrow high windows in the dome. The church had a three-sided enclosure, which no longer exists. Although the main structure of the church is completely Georgian, the style of the facades with a system of flat arched signs, crosses and faces made of brick piles still confirm the Iranian influence. The church is painted inside. The famous composition on which a woman, a man and a boy are depicted is worth noting. In the scientific literature, they are considered to be images of Tinatin, Levan and their son Giorgi.
Next to the church is a large, multi-storied bell tower, which, according to tradition, was built by Queen Tinatin's nursemaid and is contemporary with the cathedral. Cobble stone was used as the main building material, while brick was also mixed in it. The 1st floor was a 7 meter high hall, which was expanded into two floors during the renovation. The 2nd floor was actually the residence of Queen Tinatin (after she became a nun). People went up to the floors by stairs built into the walls of the tower.
The heavily damaged church of the Akhali Shuamta Monastery was renovated and thoroughly repaired (after 1762) during the reign of Erekle II, which is stated in the inscription on the frame of the western door of the church. In 1820, the monument was repaired again, and in 1850, the painting was restored. Traces of the 19th century repairs can also be observed on the monument. The group of churches of Akhali Shuamta also includes the Gremi, Shikhiani “Resurrection” and Chikaani churches.
Literature: Чубинашвили Г. Н., Архитектура Кахетии, Тб., 1959.
V. Beridze
