Bodbe Monastery: St. Nino's Final Resting Place

During our journey through Georgia's Kakheti region, we visited the Bodbe Monastery, located just 2 kilometers from the charming town of Sighnaghi. This Georgian Orthodox monastic complex is one of the country's major pilgrimage sites, as it houses the relics of St. Nino, the female evangelist who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century.

The monastery sits on a steep hillside among tall cypress trees, offering spectacular views of the Alazani Valley and the Greater Caucasus mountains in the distance. The setting alone makes this place worth visiting, with its peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings.

We explored both the small historic church and the large new church that's still under construction. The older church is a three-nave basilica that was originally built between the 9th and 11th centuries, though it has undergone significant modifications over the centuries, particularly in the 17th and 19th centuries. This smaller church contains St. Nino's grave, which makes it especially significant for Georgian Orthodox believers.

The new church being built at Bodbe is quite impressive in scale. Although still under construction during our visit, we could see it will be something massive and grandiose. Even in its unfinished state, we noticed the extensive use of marble and other fine materials hinting how magnificent it will be when completed.

The monastery has had a tumultuous history, having been pillaged, restored, closed during Soviet times (when it was converted into a hospital), and finally reopened as a working nunnery in 1991 after Georgia regained independence.

For visitors interested in Georgian history, religious heritage, or simply beautiful views, Bodbe Monastery makes for a worthwhile stop when exploring the Kakheti region. The combination of historical significance, spiritual importance, and natural beauty creates a memorable experience.

If you plan a visit, consider combining it with a trip to nearby Sighnaghi, known as the "City of Love," with its well-preserved town walls and charming streets.