Barakoni
Religious Site 18th-century Georgian Orthodox mountain church with frescoes
Perched above the Rioni valley, Barakoni is an 18th‑century Georgian Orthodox church famous for its stone masonry and remote mountain setting; visitors combine it with regional hiking.
Barakoni is the name commonly used for the Barakoni Church of the Mother of God, an 18th century Georgian Orthodox church in the Racha region of Georgia. It was constructed in 1753 and is noted for its compact stone architecture and decorative stone carving.
The church was commissioned by local rulers of Racha and built in the traditional Georgian ecclesiastical style of the period, positioned on a cliff above the Rioni Gorge. It has served as a parish church and a local religious landmark since its construction.
The church overlooks a steep valley of the Rioni River in the mountainous Racha-Lechkhumi region, accessible by local roads from nearby towns and villages in western Georgia.
- Date and style: A mid-18th century Georgian Orthodox church built at a remote, elevated site above a river gorge, notable for its stone masonry and regional architectural style.
How to Get to Barakoni #
Barakoni is reached via regional roads from Ambrolauri or Oni in Racha-Lechkhumi. The last stretches are narrow and occasionally rough; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Tips for Visiting Barakoni #
- Time the visit for late afternoon when the stone takes on a warmer color and fewer tour buses are present.
- Respect local liturgical services; Barakoni is still an active place of worship on holy days.
- Hire a local guide from Oni or Ambrolauri for context on the Racha region and the church's 18th-century builder, King Rostom of Racha.
Best Time to Visit Barakoni #
Late spring through early autumn is ideal for road access and photographing the church in good light.
Weather & Climate near Barakoni #
Barakoni's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1204 mm/year), wettest in December, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (127 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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