Machkhani St. Theodore Tyrone Church

The Church of St. Theodore Tyrone stands on a gentle slope overlooking Machkhani, a historic settlement near Dzegvi in the Kaspi Municipality. This mediaeval hall-style church blends naturally into the rugged landscape of Shida Kartli. Constructed from local fieldstone and tuff, the building reflects the simple, durable stone masonry that defined village parishes during Georgia's late mediaeval era. It offers a genuine look into regional architectural traditions away from common tourist tracks.

History and Architecture of the Complex

The building is a classic example of a single-nave Georgian hall church. Builders utilized yellowish tuff, cobblestones, and heavy mortar to construct the thick walls, a hallmark of rural construction in Kartli during the 16th and 17th centuries. The eastern facade features a semi-circular apse inside, while the exterior retains a austere, unadorned rectangular layout.

• Masonry Techniques: The lower courses feature larger, roughly shaped limestone blocks, providing a solid foundation for the lighter tuff above.
• The Vaulting: The interior barrel vault is supported by distinct arches that rest on simple wall pilasters, showing clear regional craftsmanship.
• Surrounding Grounds: The churchyard contains fragments of an ancient stone enclosure and old gravestones, which mark the historical role of this spot as the central burial site for the local community.