Jvari Lake, Georgia
Unique architectural creation – Jvari monastery is located on the top of the mountain, not far from Mtskheta, near picturesque rivers Kura and Aragvi. The design of this monastery resembles a cross. It is not an accident, as Jvari, translated from Georgian, means “cross”.
According to an ancient legend, Saint Nino came to this mountain to pray and put a wooden cross, which symbolized the fall of paganism and the adoption of Christianity. Since then, in the beginning of the 6th century, small Jvari was built and later, on top of it Big Jvari was built. The cross, brought by Saint Nino is lost, but a modern analog stands on its place in the center of the monastery.
The temple looks very authentic and ascetic from inside and out. There is a legend about pilgrims, who come to pray in this monastery. They shed so much tears while praying, that a lake was formed near the monastery and the locals call it “The Lake of Tears”.
Epic Georgia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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