Poka: St. Nino Church and Nunnery

Situated at an elevation exceeding 2,000 meters above sea level, the village of Poka serves as a sentinel on the western banks of the expansive Paravani Lake. This high-altitude plateau, known as the Javakheti volcanic plateau, possesses a climate and geography distinct from the lush, temperate valleys of central Georgia. The landscape is characterized by its wide, wind-swept horizons, volcanic soil composition, and a profound sense of isolation that has defined the character of the region for millennia. Local tradition asserts that this specific location is where St. Nino of Cappadocia entered the Kingdom of Iberia in the early 4th century, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's spiritual transition to Christianity.

Today, the site is defined by the coexistence of the historic Poka St. Nino Church and the active nunnery established in 1989. While the surrounding terrain is often unforgiving due to its exposure to extreme meteorological shifts, the monastic community has turned this environment into a center of scholarly and artisanal production, creating a unique intersection of ancient faith and contemporary rural industry.

The XI Century Architectural Heritage

The primary structure at the site is a classic Georgian hall church dating to the 11th century. Unlike the intricate, relief-heavy facades found in regions like Mtskheta or Kutaisi, the Poka church utilizes the stark aesthetic properties of porous volcanic stone (tufa) common to the Javakheti landscape. This material choice was functional; the stone’s porous nature and the walls’ significant thickness provided the necessary thermal mass and structural rigidity to survive the freezing, high-velocity winds that define winter in the Paravani basin.

Key architectural features include:

• Austerity in Design: The structure lacks external decorative carving, reflecting a period where defense against the climate took precedence over aesthetic flourish.
• Interior Illumination: Minimal, narrow window apertures are strategically placed to pierce the thick masonry, casting focused light on ancient frescoes and icons.
• Structural Integrity: The use of large, precisely hewn stone blocks allowed for the longevity of the structure despite the seismic activity common to the Javakheti volcanic belt.

The Evolution of the Nunnery and Artisanal Culture

Since the late 20th century, the monastic mission has evolved to address the needs of the surrounding rural population. The nuns at Poka successfully adapted to the high-altitude conditions, which typically limit agriculture. By shifting their focus toward artisanal manufacturing, they established a reputation for high-quality, cold-climate food production and traditional crafts.

The monastery is widely recognized for its specialized output:

• Artisanal Cheese-Making: Utilizing the unique alpine milk of the region, the sisters produce European-style cheeses, including varieties aged in Saperavi wine or ash, as well as local interpretations of Blue cheese.
• Confectionery: The production of handmade chocolates, truffles, and organic jams serves as a cornerstone of their mission to sustain the community through self-reliance.
• Byzantine Arts: The sisters maintain a rigorous discipline in minankari (cloisonné enamel) and mosaic production, techniques rooted in deep historical ties between Georgia and the Byzantine Empire.

Geological Context of the Paravani Basin

The site is geographically anchored by Paravani Lake, the largest lake in Georgia, which sits within a tectonic depression formed by volcanic activity. The surrounding topography is a result of intense subterranean pressure that shaped the Javakheti plateau, leaving behind a landscape of dormant volcanoes and rich, fertile-but-challenging volcanic soils. This geological history contributes to the intense, clear light of the region, which has drawn pilgrims and travelers for centuries to this high-altitude refuge.