Ikalto, Georgia 5 – 5/2014
Crawling up a 14% grade to the Ikalto Monastery we found a comfortable flat parking area overlooking the upper Kakheti valley, famous for its Georgian wines. Visiting the church and its grounds, it appeared that wine production had been important from a very early time.
After closer inspection we realized that these underground amphorae used to store wine.
The Ikalto monastery near Telavi was founded in the 6th century. It was known as one of the most important cultural-scholastic centers of Georgia. In the 12th century, the Academy of Ikalto trained its students in theology, rhetoric, astronomy, philosophy, geography, geometry, and chanting but also taught more practical skills like pottery making, metal work, pharmacology, viticulture and wine making. In 1616, Persian invaders set the Ikalto Academy on fire and it ceased to exit.
This little doll was strolling in the Ikalto mission garden. Monika exchanged a photo for a balloon.
Today, there is an effort to save the ancient church and some stabilization and restoration have taken place but lacking funds still threaten the structure.
We took advantage of a sunny day and did a full maintenance service on The Turtle V, including changing the Amsoil dual by-pass oil filters. One of the unique features of The Turtle V is its built-in 12-gallon oil reservoir. Finding quality oil in developing countries can be a problem.
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- Signs in Georgia were international. No words needed.
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- As the tourists left, we had the peace and quiet of this old monastery all to ourselves.
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- Our peaceful camp next to the Ikalto church gave us a perfect view of the Kakheti wine valley.
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- View of the Kakheti valley and the Caucasus mountain range in the distance.
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- Today, there is an effort to save the century old Ikalto church.
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- These ancient underground amphorae were evidence that wine had been stored here several hundred years ago.
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- We could almost smell the wine that had been stored in these old amphorae.
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- This cute little girl seemed to be used to having her picture taken.
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- The Ikalto Mission is a popular site to visit.
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- This head of Christ above the entry door was the only surviving fresco we found.
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- Several icons or replicas decorated the walls.
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- There was no service on the day we visited the Ikalto church.
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- Today, there is an effort to save the Ikalto church but lack of funds make it difficult.
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- These brilliant red poppies and other wild flowers were in our private garden.
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- One of the unique features of The Turtle V is its built-in 12-gallon oil reservoir. Finding quality oil in developing countries can be a problem.
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- We took advantage of a sunny day and did a full maintenance service on The Turtle V, including changing the Amsoil dual by-pass oil filters.
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- A last view of the pretty Kakheti Valley and the Caucasus Mountains in the distance.
