How to Visit the Green Monastery Near Borjomi in Georgia
Green Monastery at a glance
- Official name: Chitakhevi Church of Saint George (popularly called Green Monastery or Mtsvane Monastery)
- Location: About 11 to 12 km southwest of the town of Borjomi, near the village of Chitakhevi
- Setting: Narrow wooded gorge in south-central Georgia, on the edge of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
- Origin: Medieval monastic church stylistically dated to the late 9th or 10th century
- Architecture: Coarsely hewn ashlar and rubble stone basilica with a two-storey bell tower
- Religious life: Historical monastery restored to Christian and monastic use in the early 2000s
- Tradition: Stream stones believed by pilgrims to bear a reddish hue in memory of martyred monks
Monastic and architectural details are verified from public records on Wikipedia and Georgian Travel Guide.
| Transport Option | Price Basis | Door-to-Door Pickup | Waiting Time | Custom Sightseeing Stops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Minibus (Marshrutka) | Per seat | No (highway junction drop-off) | Fixed route timetable | None |
| Local Street Taxi | Per trip (negotiated) | Optional | Negotiated / extra charge | Rarely flexible |
| OrbiTrip Private Car | Per whole vehicle | Yes (hotel or any address) | Free waiting included | Free stops on the way |
Booking a private transfer provides an upfront per-car price without unexpected fare bargaining, allowing you to spend unhurried time exploring the forested monastic grounds.
History and setting of Chitakhevi Saint George
The Green Monastery, officially known as the Chitakhevi Church of Saint George, ranks among the most evocative medieval religious retreats in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Nestled inside a secluded deciduous woodland alongside the rushing Chitakhevi mountain stream, the complex has offered quiet spiritual contemplation for more than a millennium. Its popular name, Mtsvane Monastery, reflects both the verdant canopy enclosing the site and the distinct greenish tint visible in the local masonry.
Scholars stylistically date the construction of the primary church building to the late 9th or 10th century. During the Middle Ages, the monastery developed into an established spiritual sanctuary in southern Georgia. Following centuries of upheaval, regional conflicts, and depopulation across the Borjomi valley during the 18th century, the complex fell into disuse. Forest vegetation gradually overgrew the stonework until archaeological rehabilitation in the late 20th century cleared the area, culminating in the formal return of active Christian monastic life in the early 2000s.
Architecture of the basilica and bell tower
The monastic church represents a classic three-nave basilica measuring roughly 14.5 by 19.2 metres. Its exterior walls were built primarily of coarsely hewn ashlar and local rubble stone, giving the exterior an unadorned, earthy texture that blends into the surrounding wooded gorge. Key architectural elements such as columns, pilasters, and internal arches showcase carefully shaped greenish-tinted stones, illustrating the craftsmanship of medieval Georgian masons.
Standing a short distance from the basilica is an imposing two-storey bell tower dating back to the 15th or 16th century. The lower level houses a compact vaulted chamber originally arranged as a prayer room. The open second tier forms an arched pavilion decorated with stone relief carvings, creating a commanding architectural presence above the courtyard. Together, the church and belfry form a remarkably well-preserved example of regional ecclesiastical architecture.
The tradition of the reddish river stones
A poignant chapter in the history of the monastery unfolded during the 16th century. In the 1550s, military forces under the Persian ruler Shah Tahmasp I advanced across southern Georgia, raiding settlements and religious sanctuaries throughout the Borjomi valley. Historical memories record that monks residing at Chitakhevi were tortured and slain during the assault, and the sanctuary was sacked.
Centuries later, an enduring pilgrimage tradition developed around the mountain stream that winds past the sanctuary. Visitors and pilgrims observe that stones scattered across the shallow riverbed exhibit a distinctive reddish hue, which local folklore attributes to the shed blood of the martyred monks. Today, this tradition draws travelers seeking a meaningful cultural and historical connection in the heart of the Georgian mountains.
Visiting the Green Monastery in winter
Winter lends a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere to Chitakhevi gorge. The deciduous trees shed their foliage to reveal views of the surrounding hillsides, while evergreen firs stand blanketed in fresh snow. Because the monastery sits in a sheltered valley at moderate elevation, it remains accessible throughout the winter months, avoiding the severe snow blockages typical of high alpine passes.
The access route leaves the Borjomi-Akhaltsikhe highway and follows a short asphalt branch straight into the valley floor. When visiting between December and February, we recommend wearing warm, sturdy footwear with reliable traction, as the stone footpaths between the vehicle drop-off area and the church entrance can be wet or icy. Modest dress is standard when entering active Orthodox sanctuaries: shoulders and knees should be covered, and headscarves are traditionally worn by female visitors.
Who should take a private transfer
Organizing a private transfer is the most comfortable way to visit the Green Monastery, whether as an excursion from Borjomi or an en-route stop while traveling between Tbilisi and Akhaltsikhe. Key benefits include:
- Upfront per-vehicle pricing: The fare is charged for the whole car, making private transport economical for couples, families, and travel groups.
- Scenic sightseeing stops: Free stops along the way allow you to sample mineral spring water in Borjomi or photograph mountain viewpoints at your own pace.
- No advance payment: Pay the driver directly in cash using GEL, USD, or EUR at the end of the trip.
- Same price day and night: The rate remains identical regardless of early morning pickups or evening returns.
- Child seat on request: Request an appropriate child seat when placing your booking if you travel with young children.
- Free cancellation: Cancel at any time before pickup without cancellation fees if your schedule shifts.
If you plan to head farther into the mountains for winter sports, check driver options and live per-car fares on OrbiTrip's Borjomi to Bakuriani transfer page.
Practical details for your trip
When requesting a ride, provide your exact pickup location, whether a hotel in Borjomi, central Tbilisi, or an airport terminal. We recommend submitting your booking at least 90 minutes before your desired departure time. An OrbiTrip booking is automatically confirmed for the passenger once it is successfully created. For a confirmed booking, your driver is guaranteed to arrive; any necessary replacement driver is at the same price and with your agreement.
Your driver meets you directly at your specified pickup address with a personal name sign, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free departure.
Explore related destination guides across the region: consult our detailed Borjomi travel guide, read tips in the Borjomi in winter guide, or review the Borjomi to Bakuriani transfer guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Green Monastery located?
The Green Monastery (officially Chitakhevi Church of Saint George) is located in south-central Georgia, about 11 to 12 km southwest of Borjomi near the village of Chitakhevi, tucked into a narrow wooded gorge.
Is a private transfer priced per vehicle or per passenger?
Private transfers with OrbiTrip are priced per vehicle for the whole car, regardless of whether you travel solo or with family members.
Do I need to pay in advance for a private transfer?
No prepayment is required; you pay the driver directly in cash in GEL, USD, or EUR at the destination.
Can I cancel my transfer if my travel plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free at any time before your scheduled pickup if your travel plans change.
What guarantee do I have that my driver will arrive?
An OrbiTrip booking is automatically confirmed for the passenger once it is successfully created. For a confirmed booking, your driver is guaranteed to arrive; any necessary replacement driver is at the same price and with your agreement.
Can I visit the Green Monastery in winter?
Yes, the monastery is accessible year-round; in winter snow settles over the surrounding forest, and the route follows the main Borjomi-Akhaltsikhe highway before a short paved branch into Chitakhevi gorge.
Checked on 5 November 2026; sources include Wikipedia and Georgian Travel Guide.