Ikalto Monastery - one of the oldest buildings in Georgia and the oldest in Kakheti. It is located near the village of Ikalto, 8 km from the town of Telavi.

The monastery was founded in the VI Art. Rev. Zenon Ikaltiyskim. From buildings of that period almost nothing left. Surviving to the present day churches were built in the VIII Art. At the same time the monastery was also built for the winepress grapes and wine storage for partially survived to the present day. In the XII century., During the reign of King David the Builder was built the Assumption Church and the body of the Academy. This Academy is known for its walls studied Shota Rustaveli.

Academy building is an example of civil architecture. Unfortunately, to date it has been preserved - in 1616 it was destroyed by hordes of Shah Abbas I. Since then, the monastery Ikalto virtually ceased to exist. The revival of the monastery began only in the XIX century.

Ikalto Monastery has lost its former luster, but despite this he was a worthy destination for tourists. The monastery is located several ancient temples of VI-XIII century., The ruins of the academy, as well as the disposal of Zeno Ikaltoyskogo.

At the center of the complex you can see a domed church Hvtaeba (St. Spirit), built VIII-IX Art. In the XIX century. its reconstruction was carried out. To the south of the main temple is built XII century. Church of the Assumption of the Virgin. In the north-east of the temple is a temple Hvtaeba Holy Trinity - Sameba, built in the VI Art. The church has a unique architecture - a two-storey building, on the second floor which is an external staircase. The ruins of a two-storey building of the Academy are to the right of the entrance. On the first floor there are several economic and ancillary facilities. On the second floor is a large hall, which survived two window openings in the form of arches.