Otsindale

The History of Otsindale

According to historians, the church was built in the 11th century. This church is famous for the decorated door made from 11th century vines, which is now kept in the Georgian National Museum.

To get to the monastery, you will need to ascend a steep path. However, this ancient building is well-worth the trip. Once you see the interior monastery walls, you will understand just how many centuries and historical events this place has survived.

The hall-type structure, with one nave, is nine meters tall, ten meters long, and five meters wide, made with tufa stones. You will also find the remnants of frescos that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

At the beginning of the 20th century, there was a functioning nunnery at Otsindale, however, now it has transitioned to an active monastery.

The holiday of Giorgoba (St. George's day), held on the 23rd of November, is always well-celebrated in Otsindale St. George Cathedral. According to legend, the name Otsindale is connected to that particular holiday. Historically, a man and woman to be wed would get to know each other on this holiday. Those that went on to get married were obliged to bring a donation in thanks to the church every November 23rd. 

Many prospective grooms would gather in the church on November 23rd hoping to meet their future wives. The current name of the church, “Otsindale” is actually based on the Megrelian word for prospective grooms!