Mghvimevi Monastery

The Mghvimevi monastery is situated in the eponymous village, in the Qvirila River valley, at the eastern edge of Chiatura, from where it can be accessed through a long and narrow cliffside pathway leading to a large natural cave [ka], also known for its prehistoric finds. The monastery was founded here in the latter half of the 13th century, deriving its name from a Georgian word for "a cave". There are many smaller caves around the monastery. According to the 18th-century Georgian scholar Prince Vakhushti they served as refuges during wartime; archaeologists recovered several arrowheads and traces of fire in the cave complex.Read more