Skhalta Cathedral Church

Skhalta Cathedral is a medieval Georgian Orthodox cathedral and monastic complex in the Adjara region of southwestern Georgia, close to the village of Skhalta. It is an example of regional ecclesiastical architecture and remains a focal point for local religious life.

The site comprises a stone-built domed church and adjacent monastic buildings set in a mountainous rural landscape. The complex is compact and visited for its architecture and religious function rather than as a large tourist site.

The cathedral and associated buildings date to Georgia’s medieval period and have seen repair and restoration work in more recent decades as the monastery has been maintained. The complex has served as a local religious centre for centuries.

Skhalta sits in the highlands of Adjara, within Khulo Municipality, in a relatively remote mountain area of southwestern Georgia.

• Access: Located in a remote, hilly part of Adjara with limited visitor facilities; expect unpaved local roads and basic services in the nearby village.

What to See#

• Main cathedral: The principal church is a medieval stone cathedral in the Georgian Orthodox tradition featuring a single main domed nave and associated liturgical spaces.
• Monastic complex: Small monastic buildings and ancillary structures form a compact complex around the church, set in a rural mountain setting.

• Visit during the dry months (late spring through early autumn) when mountain roads in Adjara are most likely to be passable and views are clearer.
• Expect a remote, mountainous approach-check local road conditions and consider hiring a local driver or joining an organized excursion if you're not confident on narrow, unpaved mountain roads.
• Respect that Skhalta is an active religious site: dress modestly, be quiet inside the complex, and check for visiting hours since services or monastic activity can restrict access.