In the tenth century, the mountainous province of Khevi experienced a surge in construction activity. One of the most important churches built during this period is located on the edge of the village of Sioni, 10 km southwest of Stepantsminda, the administrative center of the Kazbegi municipality.

A Soviet underground artist, Chkhartishvili produced works that captured the social and aesthetic dimensions of unofficial art. The worldview and visual language of underground artists were radically different from the conventions of socialist realism. Though, by that time, the system had begun to weaken and unravel, it still held significant ideological weight and influence.

What is regarded as a flaw in our wine is actually its strength. And if our wine ever reaches the world market, it will be because of this virtue. Ilia Chavchavadze 1887