Tsiteli Sakdari Red Church

Tsiteli Sakdari, also known as the Red Church, stands on the volcanic plateau above Tabatskuri Lake in Samtskhe-Javakheti. This small hall church is built from local reddish tuff and has served shepherds and villagers for centuries. The site is quiet, open to the sky, and offers clear views of the lake and the surrounding high pastures.

Historical Context & Significance

The church belongs to the medieval tradition of small parish churches that dotted the Javakheti plateau. Its name Tsiteli Sakdari means Red Sanctuary and refers to the color of the stone. Historical sources link the area to seasonal settlement and transhumance routes between Borjomi and Akhalkalaki. Unlike large cathedrals, this building was maintained by local communities, which explains its modest scale and simple plan. The proximity to Tetri Sakdari, the White Church, suggests a paired sacred landscape typical for this part of Georgia.

Architecture & Hidden Details to Look For

The plan is a single-nave hall with a semicircular apse oriented to the east. Walls are made of roughly cut volcanic tuff with patches of later repair. Look for:

• Window frames with simple carved borders, partly eroded by wind
• Masonry color that shifts from deep red to grey depending on light
• Low stone enclosure and scattered grave slabs around the church Inside the space is plain, with no surviving frescoes. The proportions are compact, and the doorway is low, a practical feature for the harsh highland climate.

Visitor Information & How to Get There

The church sits about 10 km southeast of Bakuriani and a short drive from the village of Tabatskuri. Access is by mountain road:

• From Bakuriani to Tabatskuri the road is paved, then turns to gravel near the lake
• The final approach is a dirt track that can be rutted after rain; a 4x4 is safest in spring and autumn, a sedan is possible in dry summer with careful driving
• No fence or ticket office; the site is open at all times Plan about 30–40 minutes driving from Bakuriani, longer in bad weather.

Practical Travel Tips for Respectful Tourism

• Dress modestly if you enter; women may cover their heads out of respect
• Do not climb on walls or move stones; the masonry is fragile
• Take rubbish with you; there are no bins on the plateau
• Wind is strong year-round; bring a layer even in summer
• Mobile signal is patchy; download offline maps before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the church active today?

Occasional services are held on major feast days. Most of the time the building is locked but the exterior and yard are accessible.

Can I visit in winter?

Yes, but snow covers the plateau from December to March. Roads are icy and the track to the church may be impassable without a 4x4 and winter tires.

How much time do I need?

1–2 hours is enough for the church, photos, and a short walk around the lake shore.

What to See Nearby

• Tabatskuri Lake: a high-altitude volcanic lake popular for fishing and birdwatching
• Tetri Sakdari: the White Church, a few hundred meters away, often visited together with Tsiteli Sakdari
• Bakuriani: ski resort and hiking base with cafes and guesthouses
• Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: trails and forests to the west