The Martkop Monastery, located at an altitude of 1350 meters above sea level in the village of Martkopi, is one of the most significant spiritual centers of Georgia. This area, known since the 6th century as Akriani or "Rocky Places", is associated with the amazing story of one of the 13 Assyrian fathers - Anthony.
Anthony arrived in Georgia in the first half of the 6th century and settled in the Akrian Mountains. Living in solitude in a cave, he received the nickname “Lonely” (in Georgian “Martomkopeli”), and this is where the name Martkopi comes from. Anthony, who avoided contact with local residents, soon became known thanks to the hunters from the village of Norio. Despite the initial distrust of the local population, a community of followers gradually formed around him.
The monastery, founded by Anthony, was a significant spiritual center of Georgia until the middle of the 18th century. It also served as the residence for Rustavi bishops. The tower where Anthony lived collapsed over time, but his grave is still guarded today in the temple of Khvtaeb under a white marble slab.
The history of the monastery is also closely connected with the image of the Savior, which Anthony kept in the main church until 1395. During the invasion of Tamerlane, the icon was hidden and subsequently lost, becoming a kind of “Holy Grail” for many monks who sought spiritual improvement.
Unfortunately, in the middle of the 18th century, the monastery was devastated by enemy raids, and the earthquake of 1823 destroyed the dome of the temple. The current domed church was restored in the 19th century by Metropolitan Isidore on the site of the old one, and the tomb of St. Anthony was found here.
Today the Martkop Monastery is a place where deep history and spirituality combine. It offers travelers not only a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of ancient Georgian culture, but also to enjoy the magnificent scenery of mountain peaks.
