Ikalto Monastery

About

West of Telavi in the Kakheti region, Ikalto Monastery boasts three churches and the remnants of a prestigious academy and refectory structures. Arsen Iqaltoeli, a prominent figure from the 11th to 12th centuries, is believed to have established the academy within the monastery complex, which once served as the highest educational institution in Georgia. Subjects such as theology, rhetoric, astronomy, philosophy, geography, geometry and chanting were taught within the walls, until a fire in 1616 during the invasion of Shah Abbas put the academy out of use.The Monastery also features stunning churches including Sameba and Kvelatsminda, exhibiting elongated design constructed with cobblestones. Founded in the 6th century by one of the Assyrian fathers named Zenon, the site houses the sacred remains of Zenon himself and also claims renowned national hero Shota Rustaveli as one of its students.