Barakoni Religious Site

Address: Barakoni Church, near Tsesi, Racha region, Georgia

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.

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.

• 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.