Timotesubani Monastery
Queen Tamar-era Dormition church in a forested valley east of Borjomi, with some of Georgia's finest early 13th-century frescoes.
Timotesubani MonasteryPhoto: Giorgi gugberidze, CC BY-SA 4.0Timotesubani is a monastery in a quiet forested valley in the hills east of Borjomi, about 17 km from town. Its main church, dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin, was built in the reign of Queen Tamar (1184-1213), the height of Georgia's medieval Golden Age. It is a domed cross-in-square church with three projecting apses, built of warm pink stone. Around it stand smaller buildings from the 11th to the 18th century, and nearby are rock-cut dwellings thought to be medieval.
The reason to come is the interior. The walls were painted no later than the 1220s, and the murals are admired for their vivid colour and complex iconography, among the best of their period in Georgia. Few tour groups make the detour, so you may have the church almost to yourself. It is an easy addition to a day in Borjomi or a drive up to Bakuriani.
History
A contemporary inscription names Shalva of Akhaltsikhe, a nobleman of Queen Tamar's court, as a patron of the Dormition church, which was built during her reign. Its paintings date from no later than the 1220s. The western and southern porches were added later. The murals were cleaned and studied in the 1970s, and emergency conservation followed in the 2000s with help from the World Monuments Fund and the Samuel H. Kress Foundation.
What to see and do
- See the early 13th-century wall paintings in the Dormition church
- Look at the pink stone facades and domed cross-in-square plan
- Walk around the smaller chapels and outbuildings of the complex
- Find the medieval rock-cut dwellings near the monastery
How to visit
Getting there
Timotesubani is about 17 km from Borjomi, roughly 30 minutes by car or taxi. There is no useful public transport, so agree a waiting time with your driver.
When to go
May to October. Plan 1-1.5 hours here.
- The interior is dim, so give your eyes time to adjust to see the paintings
- Modest dress is expected: covered shoulders and knees, headscarves for women
- There are few facilities, so bring water and snacks
Timotesubani Monastery: FAQ
How old is Timotesubani Monastery?
The main Dormition church was built in the reign of Queen Tamar (1184-1213), and its paintings date from no later than the 1220s. Other buildings in the complex range from the 11th to the 18th century.
Is Timotesubani worth the detour from Borjomi?
Yes, if you are interested in medieval art. Its frescoes are among the finest of Georgia's Golden Age, and the site sees far fewer visitors than Vardzia or the Borjomi park.
Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Timotesubani Monastery.
