This small single nave church, dating back to the 10th century, is located in the village of Ipkhi in the Latali community. Its eastern facade is notable for relief decoration, which is relatively rare in the façade ornamentation of Svaneti churches.
The entire interior and sanctuary of the church are decorated with 10th-century murals, while the south facade retains heavily damaged and fragmented paintings from the 12th-13th centuries.
The murals of Ipkhi represent one of the most important examples of early Svaneti wall painting, clearly displaying characteristics typical of the early Svaneti style. Some key features include:
The extensive application of painted decoration throughout the interior (in contrast to other regions of Georgia during the same period, where paintings were typically limited to the altar, or dome, and one wall of the interior).
The overall iconographic program consists of a very limited number of feast scenes, specifically chosen to highlight a general theophanic idea, with a particular emphasis on the dogma of the Incarnation. This focus brings early Svaneti wall paintings into closer alignment with the overall spiritual atmosphere found in other contemporary wall paintings across Georgia.
Additionally, the placement of the Veneration scene (a unique arrangement in the altar area) emphasizes the glorification of Christ, as well as the figures of the Church Fathers placed in the main hall, following the general rules of iconography from the Byzantine world of the time.
Another notable feature is the heraldic composition depicting martial saints on the vault, which is considered a distinctive trait of early Svaneti wall paintings.
Among the feast cycle scenes, the Nativity scene stands out for its unique iconographic treatment, which has parallels in the Capadocian wall paintings of the same period. Additionally, the Dormition scene is one of the earliest examples of its depiction in Georgian wall painting.
The overall composition, the style of the faces and clothing, the vivid coloring, and the tendency toward decorativeness in the frescoes of Ipkhi show a close connection to the frescoes of the Atsi (Ipari community) Taringseli (St. Archangels) Church, suggesting that these two fresco ensembles were created by the same group of artists.
Useful information
| Location | The church is located in 15 minutes walking distance from the Latali central road |
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| Accessibility | In case you are driving by car from the central road, two-axle vehicle is preferred |
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| Key holder | The church is open |
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