Melaani is a village in the Gurjaani Municipality of Kakheti Province. Its history spans centuries, as evidenced by archaeological finds dating back to the late Bronze and Iron Ages.
Melaani Church, general view
Melaani Church from the southeast
The Church of the Mother of God, sometimes referred to as the Trinity Church, was built near Melaani in the late eighteenth century. It is located to the north of the present-day village, on gently sloping terrain, and is visible from a distance.
Melaani Church from the northeast
The church has an elongated plan, with a nave and an apse of the sanctuary inscribed in an outer rectangle. The eastern section of the nave is crowned by a dome supported by projections from the longitudinal walls. The dome, significantly narrower than the nave, is adjusted to it by means of transverse arches. Its tall, slightly tapering drum is topped with a pyramidal roof. A small arched belfry sits atop the ridge of the western gable.
A gravestone incorporated into the façade masonry
Like many Medieval and early Modern structures in Kakheti, the Melaani Church was constructed using mixed materials. The lower portions of the walls are built with cobblestones, while the upper sections are made of brick. In some areas, old gravestones have been incorporated into the façade masonry. The dome, drum, arches, vaults, and jambs are all constructed from brick.
Central part of the southern façade
The church’s façades combine the traditional elements of Georgian churches with influences from Neoclassical architecture, resulting in unusual compositions. The southern and western façades feature four crosses arranged symmetrically, on two levels, around the window. On the eastern façade, paired crosses are surmounted by a horizontal fillet and a small pediment. A decorative row of alternating crosses and gables encircles the drum above its ten narrow windows. Noteworthy is the extensive use of semicircular bricks for window frames, crosses, and other decorative elements.
Upper part of the druIn 2007, the roof of the Melaani Church was restored, and a two-story bell tower was constructed to the south of the church.
