Adishi and St. George’s church of Nakiphari

Adishi is a village located on the slopes of Mt. Tetnuldi, about 25 km from Mestia. The road to Adishi is very beautiful, but also very difficult – the drive takes around 1.5-2 hours one way. The village was first captured on film by Italian traveller and photographer Vittorio Sella in the 19th century. Unfortunately, since then a lot of the buildings have gone to ruin, but the beauty of the landscape is still there. St. George’s church and Archangel’s churches of Adishi (13th-14th century) are always open, so visitors can go inside and admire the bright frescoes. Saviour’s church (10th century) with a big collection of painted and hammered silver ikons is normally locked, so the visit needs to be arranged with the key-keeper.

You will also see St.George’s church of Nakiphari on this tour. It is unique for its facade bas-reliefs. Inside the wall paintings were done by Tevdore, Royal Painter to King David, in the early 12th century.