Khulgumo Naeklesiari and Chapel

Located in the high-altitude volcanic plains of Samtskhe-Javakheti, just outside the village of Khulgumo, this modest site preserves the historical memory of Georgia’s medieval ecclesiastical architecture. Built directly over a naeklesiari—the structural footprint of a ruined church—a contemporary chapel now marks the sacred ground. The environment is defined by the stark, windswept terrain of the Javakheti Plateau, providing a deeply atmospheric setting for these weathered stones.

Architectural Vestiges on the Javakheti Plateau

The original church ruins at Khulgumo demonstrate the robust, unornamented masonry techniques characteristic of medieval southern Georgia. The surviving foundation stones reveal a simple rectangular plan, built to withstand the severe climate of the region. Rather than elaborate frescoes or intricate carvings, the structural remains reflect a pragmatic approach to rural worship. The modern chapel erected on the naeklesiari serves to protect the altar space, ensuring the site remains active for local believers.

Geographic and Cultural Significance

Positioned near the Paravani River gorge and the town of Akhalkalaki, the village of Khulgumo has long been a crossroads of diverse ethnic and religious histories. The surrounding terrain consists of ancient volcanic flows, yielding the dark basalt stone frequently utilized in local medieval construction. Observing these ruins offers insight into how rural parishes maintained their faith and community identity across centuries of shifting borders and empires.