Visiting Rkoni Monastery & Queen Tamar Bridge, Georgia (January 2026 Update)
Hidden in the forested Tedzami River Gorge in Shida Kartli region, the Rkoni Monastery Complex (7th-18th centuries) and elegant Queen Tamar Bridge (12th-13th centuries) offer a peaceful escape with medieval Georgian architecture amid lush nature. This underrated spot shines for day trips or multi-day hikes, especially in autumn for foliage or spring/summer for greenery—perfect off-season alternative to crowded sites.
Main short hike (Rkoni Village → Monastery → Queen Tamar Bridge → return): ~3 km round-trip, 1-2 hours, easy/moderate, well-marked with yellow/white blazes along an ancient trade route.
Key Sites in the Complex
- Basilica of the Virgin Mary (7th century): Largest structure; intricate stone carvings on refectory (often locked).
- Church of St. John the Baptist (13th-14th centuries): Smaller, with impressive entrance stonework; interior accessible.
- Bell Tower (8th century): Two-story; stairs lead to faded interior paintings.
- Monastery Gate (8th century): Partial enclosure.
- Queen Tamar Bridge: Elegant single-arch stone bridge over Tedzami River (12.5m long, 2.2m wide); ~200m past monastery. Built during Queen Tamar’s Golden Age for trade/military routes.
Nearby: Views of Rkoni Fortress ruins across gorge.
How to Get There (2026)
~2 hours from Tbilisi; no direct public transport to Rkoni Village (road ends there).
Recommended: Book private transfer via GoTrip.ge (from ~150-200 GEL round-trip, driver waits). Easiest/convenient.
Public transport option (adventurous/budget):
- Marshrutka from Tbilisi Didube to Garikula/Kaspi (~3-5 GEL, ~1-1.5 hours).
- Taxi from Garikula to Rkoni Village (~50 GEL one-way, ~16km gravel road; bargain).
From Gori: Similar—marshrutka to Garikula, then taxi.
Hitchhiking: Common in Georgia; feasible on low-traffic road.
Return: Hitch or pre-arrange taxi; marshrutkas from Garikula back to Tbilisi/Gori.
Longer Hiking Options
Marked trails from signboard at trailhead:
- Rkoni → Kldekari Fortress → Choliani: 14.5km, 6 hours, strenuous.
- Rkoni → Chkopiani: 12.5km, 4.5 hours, moderate (via churches/fortresses).
- Rkoni → Gostibe: 10.5km, 4 hours, moderate.
- Rkoni → Ateni (multi-day): 30km, 2 days, challenging (ends at Ateni Sioni Cathedral).
Camping spots plentiful near monastery/river.
Rkoni delivers serene history and nature—ideal peaceful day escape from Tbilisi. Respect sites (modest dress); friendly dogs may join hikes!