Korishkhevi Church

The Koriskhevi Church is located in Samtskhe-Javakheti, Aspindza Municipality, adjacent to the Zeda Vardzia Monastery.

It is located on the path from Koriskhevi to the Zeda Vardzia Caves, following the southern slope dividing the valley, and is a small church carved into a sharply protruding part of the natural rocky massif. The protruding mass of rock on which the rock-cut church is located is not very high. The interior of the church is very small, the space is compressed. The plan of the rectangular outline is completed by a trapezoidal stone protruding from the wall to the east, on top of which is an arched niche surrounded by a shaft. The only entrance to the chapel is from the south. A rectangular opening is inserted into the arched, profiled frame. A pit, presumably intended for a stone door, is also fixed. Today, the northern part of the rock structure has been blown away and an opening has been formed. This small, modest-sized and artistically valuable church is one of the most interesting, unique examples of Javakheti rock-cut cult architecture. It is important to protect it with the status of a monument, which will protect it from inappropriate interference.

Environment

The church is carved out of a rocky massif in a part that is pulled out. It is surrounded by slopes. The Koris Khevi gorge opens to the west. To the east, the road goes towards the Muslim cemetery and Zeda Vardzia.