Naliba Church of the Mother of God

Situated in the Shida Kartli region near the village of Kavtiskhevi, the Naliba Church of the Mother of God remains a quiet point of interest for those exploring the remnants of Georgia's rural past. This site is located at the former village of Naliba, now classified as a nasoflari—a term used for settlements that have been abandoned over time.

Architecture and Design

The structure is a hall-style church typical of late medieval ecclesiastical construction in this region. While the roof has fallen, the remaining stone walls highlight the masonry techniques of the era. The builders utilized local tuff and sandstone, which have weathered significantly over the centuries but still reveal the original scale and orientation of the building. Walking through the perimeter allows you to observe the basic layout and structural logic that defined small, village-level places of worship in Shida Kartli.

The Landscape of Naliba

Because the village of Naliba no longer exists as a residential settlement, the church stands in an area characterized by grasslands and forest patches. The site provides a clear vantage point of the surrounding valley. In the spring, the area is covered in wildflowers, while the autumn brings a muted color palette that emphasizes the texture of the aged stone walls.

Practical Guidelines

• Access: Reach the site via a walk from the edge of Kavtiskhevi. The path involves uneven terrain and occasionally dense vegetation depending on the season.
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots are strongly recommended to navigate the rocky and overgrown sections of the trail.
• Supplies: There are no facilities at the ruins. Carry sufficient water and food for your trip.
• Best Time: Spring and autumn are optimal. The summer sun can be intense due to the lack of shade, and winter conditions may make the approach paths difficult to navigate.
• Photography: The soft, diffuse light during the early morning or late afternoon provides the best contrast against the gray and tan stone of the ruins.