Samtskhe - Javakheti

Tsunda

Tsunda was the old political and religious center of Javakheti. Nowadays this place is called the village of Nakalakevi (old city). It is located on the right bank of river Mtkvari. As the historical sources report, the city was founded by Etnarkh Javakhos. The founder of the Kingdom of Kartli, king Parnavaz (IV-III cc. BC) turned Tsunda into a center of the Principality. It was placed on the important trade and military routes. Church of Tsunda was erected on the small rock and it is a hall church constructed in XII-XIII centuries with quadrangular stone. The church is richly ornamented. On the western gate there is an inscription in Asomtavruli. An anteroom with ornamented columns is attached to the south. The architectural idea of the church was implemented originally. One can enter the internal courtyard encircled by the fence only through the church.