IKALTO CROSS-DOMED CHURCH
152 Km from Tbilisi
6 th - 12 th CC
Ikalto Academy - is a religious and educational center which was founded by King David the Builder in 11-12th centuries. The first church of the complex was founded in 6th century by Zenon, one of the Thirteen Syrian fathers who came to Georgia to strengthen Christian faith.
The complex consists of the Sameba church - 6th c; one nave basilica - 9th c, the main church dedicated to "peritsvaleba" - transfiguration built in 8-9th c and reconstructed in 19th c, and a medieval academy. According to a legend the famous Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli studied there.