Kvatakhevi

Kwatachewi or Kwabtachewi (Georgian ქვათახევი, ქვაბთახევი ) is a medieval Georgian Orthodox monastery in the Georgian region of Inner Kartli, in the municipality Kaspi, 7 kilometers from the village Kawtischewi.

The monastery Kwatachewi dates from the 12th and 13th centuries and is similar to the monasteries Betania, Pitareti and Timotesubani in its architectural style and the decor, which refers to a modern canon of a Georgian domed church. The plan of the main church is almost square. The dome rests on two free-standing columns and on two other columns which are fused to the altar. Inside the dome is over the intersection of the arms of the rectangular cross.

The building has two portals, one in the south and one in the west. The facades are covered with finely carved white square stones. The walls of the church are richly decorated, especially around the windows and the base of the dome; the eastern façade is adorned with a large ornate cross.

Historically Kwatachewi was also a literary center of Georgia, where several manuscripts were copied. The monastery became apparent during Timur Lenk damaged invasions in Georgia in the 14th century, but was later repaired in 1854 under the patronage of Prince Ivane Tarkhan - Mourawi.