BARHAL MONASTERY

With its history leading before the birth of Christ, the Barhal Monastery is one of the most significant historical marks of Artvin. In the X. century, built for "Baptist Yahya" by the Bagrat King II. Begrat (958-994).

Church is built in 3 nave basillica plan. Between 1412-1442 a porch has been added to the south side of the church. Also, by Atabek IV. Kvarkvare (possibly in 1518) narthex was added to the west of the church. At the same time the church was restored.

With Islam spread in the region, towards the end of XVII.century, the church was converted to a mosque. And it still is used a mosque.

With smooth masonry work, the building is in a very good shape. As it is used as a mosque, today it is undamaged. Despite minor harm made by the treasure hunters, it possibly is the most in-shape historical structure in Artvin.

Below the church a tunnel passing beneath the river leads to the watch towers on top of the hills. The towers are well placed to watch the surrounding with ease.

 

ISHAN MONASTERY

Monastery located inside the village consists of church and chapel. It was built by the Bagrat Georgians in the first half of the IX. century. It was also used as an office to the bishop. The building kept functioning till the XVI. century. During Ottoman rule, the western portion was converted to mosque. It functioned till 1983 as a mosque.

The main portion of the monastery, the church, is built on a cross-shaped plan and has the dimensions of 34.95 x 20.75 m. It is built with smooth face stone. The conical hat raised on high belt dome is significant. Apsis arrangement is different than most classical churches. Partly deteriorated, the inner walls are completely ornamented with fresco. Especially the raising of cross to the sky scene is stil llively. The most significant of the embossed ornaments on the outer side of the wall is the "dragon-lion fight" located in the southern wall. It has three doors in each direction other than east.

 

Virgin Mary Chapel: Located right near the church (southeast). The rectangular building consists of single naphtha with dimensions of 10.3 x 5.7 m.

 

BERTA KÖPRÜSÜ

Located in the 21. km. of Artvin-Şavşat. It is built over the Berta stream for a 64 m. length. Classed as flat stone bridge, it is guessed to be built in the second half of the XIX. century. It remained undamaged today and is still used.