Unveiling Nature’s Beauty in Martvili

Tucked away in western Georgia lies the enchanting town of Martvili, which is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. The town is surrounded by lush forests, waterfalls, and canyons.

The moment I set foot in Martvili, I knew I had stumbled upon a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The place had a sleepy small-town vibe to it, as if time itself had slowed down to enjoy the gentleness of rural life.

The streets were adorned with a row of vibrant houses, which exuded an old-world charm. Built of wood, each house was a work of art.

The town resembled the cinematic Wild West in some ways with its rustic old-world charm. Like how this no-frills bar, with its straightforward sign that simply read ‘Bar’, seemed to evoke the spirit of a Western classic.

Martvili’s claim to fame rests on two iconic attractions — the historic Martvili Monastery and the breathtaking Martvili Canyon.

A winding trail unfolded before me as I hiked nearly two kilometers towards the monastery, the serene landscape accompanying me every step of the way.

Finally, at a distance, I could see the monastery perched on top of the hill.

Within minutes, I was at the gate leading to the hilltop. The peaceful atmosphere was filled with the melodic chirping of birds.

The Martvili Monastery stands as a testament to Georgia’s rich spiritual heritage. With its roots tracing back to the 7th century, this ancient Georgian Orthodox monastic complex has witnessed the rise and fall of empires.

Martvili in Greek means martyr, and the Megrelian name ‘Chkondidi’ translates to oak. The site where the monastery stands today was an ancient pagan site where an oak tree was worshiped and infants were sacrificed around it. The oak tree was cut down to make way for the church, which was named in honor of Saint Andrew who first preached in Georgia.

A fluffy guard dog stood watchfully outside the church, welcoming visitors with a friendly bark.

Upon stepping inside the revered monastery, it was as if I had stumbled into a time capsule. As the sole visitor at that moment, I had the privilege of exploring the sacred space in serene solitude.

The cross-domed church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and features frescoes dating back to the 14th century depicting scenes from the Old Testament and the Gospels.

On gazing upward, I was captivated by the renowned 17th-century fresco painting of the Virgin Mary that adorned the apse ceiling.

Although the frescoes had faded, they still retained their artistic allure.

A winding staircase took me to the top, offering a breathtaking panorama of the monastery in its entirety.

As sunlight poured through the dome, the monastery was filled in a warm glow that revealed in breathtaking detail.

Within the church’s sacred walls lay an exquisite treasury of gold-plated Orthodox icons, with some of these relics tracing their origins back centuries.

The monastery is the final resting place of many notable Georgians, including King Bagrat IV, who played a significant role in shaping Georgia’s culture and education.

It was surprising to find a wine cellar in the monastery complex. This was where monks once crafted wine using techniques passed down through generations.

I had the privilege of engaging in an enlightening conversation with the resident priest Father Matata. He shared insights into the monastery’s rich history. During the Middle Ages, Martvili flourished as a prominent educational center, where monks wrote and translated manuscripts.

Before I left, he gently placed his hand upon my head and bestowed a heartfelt blessing.

Ekvtime Takaishvili, a Georgian historian turned saint, once famously wrote, “The beauty of this church is fascinating and going to Martvili is worth just to see it.”

I couldn’t agree more.

The heights of the monastery premises offered me a stunning view of the charming town below.

It was time to leave, and I took a cable car ride down the lush green slopes. The hill and the monastery slowly receded into the distance., leaving me with memories of my thrilling descent.

My day’s journey continued at the Martvili Canyon, a breathtaking natural wonder. It was a sight to behold, with its limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.

Though I’d seen pictures of this place online, they paled in comparison to the actual experience.

The deep green waters of the Abasha River flowed gently through the Martvili Canyon. It’s no surprise that this was once a cherished bathing spot for the noble Dadiani Family, who ruled this region until 1867.

The gentle flow of the river reminded me of a beautiful verse from a poem by Alfred Tennyson.

I chatter, chatter, as I flow

To join the brimming river,

For men may come and men may go,

But I go on forever.

Sometimes you visit a place, and it feels like home. Martvili was that place for me. The small town showed me that even in the most unexpected places, beauty and wonder can be found.