Zarzma: Hotels and Accommodations

The Zarzma Monastery is a Georgian architectural monument and an ancient ecclesiastical and literary-educational center in Samtskhe. It is located in the Kvabliani Valley in the municipality of Adigeni, within the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Those wishing to book a hotel in Zarzma can continue searching for accommodation afterward.

Culture and History

The surviving monastery complex includes a domed church, a bell tower, and single-nave chapels, some of which are in ruins. The Zarzma Monastery was founded in the 9th century by the religious figure Serapion of Zarzma.

The southern side of the Zarzma Church has a three-arched porch, described as unparalleled among contemporary large churches. The walls feature a variety of carved ornaments; the masonry consists of stones in different colors. The bell tower of Zarzma is described as the largest in Georgia.

The old Transfiguration icon of Zarzma is preserved at the Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Art, where it is considered an important example of Georgian engraving art. An inscription from the late 10th century records David III Kuropalates' campaign against Bardas Skleros at Zarzma. Zarzma also has a site called Tamar's Spring; local tradition associates it with a visit by Queen Tamar.

The New Zarzma Church in Abastumani follows the ground plan and façade design of the main church of Zarzma Monastery. The ruins of a 13th-century church lie in Ijareti. Ijareti also has a 13th-century bell tower, described as the oldest in Georgia.

The hike from Ijareti to Zarzma passes through a diverse range of biomes. The Ijareti–Trial Lakes–Zarzma route is rated easy and includes an overnight stay in a tent at the Triala Lakes.

Part of the third Triala Lake transitions into marshland. The water levels of the Triala Lakes rise in spring and summer; in winter, the lakes freeze over.

After returning from the Triala Lakes to Ijareti, the route follows the central road for approximately 10 kilometers to the village of Zarzma.

More destinations: Likani, Nakalakevi, Bakurianis Andeziti, Tsaghveri, Borjomi, Akhalkalaki, Tsemi, Bakuriani

For the higher-level travel overview: Samtskhe-Javakheti.