Driving through Kakheti, Nekresi is visible from kilometers away, carved daringly into a mountainside, its red roofs contrasting against the trees around it. 

The site was established in the 4^th century under the patronage of King Trdat, King of Iberia, and the religious guidance of St. Abibos Nekreseli, one of the thirteen Syrian fathers. The complex includes several ecclesiastical buildings: the Blessed Virgin Church (VI-VII century), a basilica church that is one of the earliest surviving Christian churches in Georgia (IV century), a two-story bishop’s palace (IX century), a four-story tower (XVI century), and a wine cellar. 

Arriving to Nekresi, visitors can walk up the steep, winding road to the complex (the sign says it’s 1.5 km, but it feels like a lot longer!) or pay 1.50 GEL to take a shuttle bus. Inside the main church, wine is, unusually, for sale. The church also has a glass box filled with the bones of the monks who have served at the monastery, a striking memento mori. 

Nekresi is definitely a must-see in Kakheti – if only for the views from the top!