Archangel Church in Iprari, Svaneti: 11th Century Temple

One of Georgia's historic centers, northwestern Svaneti, is home to some of the country's most beautiful sites. One of these is the Iprari Church of the Archangel, located in the village of Iprari, where the Kala community once lived.

Architecture

This miniature church, built of local rock, was built in the 11th century and is an example of early medieval architecture.

Georgia's landmarks are renowned for their unique decor, which combines both folk arts and crafts with international design standards. The building's modest facades were adorned with paintings by the royal artist Theodore; only fragments of the southern facade, featuring a composition with the image of Jesus, remain to this day.

The facades are decorated with authentic Georgian ornamentation along their length, the floors of which were adorned with the local epic hero Saint Este—a horseman with a bow who guards the peace of the parishioners. This artist's work can also be seen on several other religious buildings: the Church of Saints Kvirike and Ivlita in Kala, the Church of the Savior in Tsvirme, and the Church of Saint George in Nakifari. If you're looking for interesting sights in Georgia, these picturesque places are worth visiting.

The church is entered through a rectangular entrance, which is arched inside. The altar is mounted on a pedestal and rises two steps above the church floor. An iconostasis is located nearby, separated from the main space by three relief arches.

Steps run along the north and west sides of the architectural structure. The church has an extension in the form of an apse; the arched vault is supported by columns with pilasters at the southeast and southwest corners of the building.

Photo source: georgiantravelguide.com