Construction of School-Workshop “Qvevris Sakhli” for making of pitchers undergoing in Village Ikalto

September 15, 2016

The Municipal Development Fund of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia is constructing the School-Workshop for making of pitchers in the vicinity of Ikalto Monastery in Ikalto Village. Objective of the project undergoing with the World Bank support is to restore-maintain traditional methods of pitcher making being in Georgia and development of historical-cultural, tourist-recreational and educational functions of Village Ikalto.   

Within the project there was constructed the three-storey administrative building and a one-storey plant – building for preparation of pitchers. There will be placed the Museum at the School-Workshop building and ancient clay vessels will be exhibited there. There are to be arranged the Library and Internet Café too. The tourists will be able to learn and make the clay vessels themselves.

The project considers also installation of water supply, sewage, drainage, power, heating and cooling, ventilation and gas supply systems. Moreover the site is scheduled to be accomplished.

Upon completion of construction the local residents will be employed at Qvevris Sakhli (Pitcher’s House) that will assist to improvement of social-economic situation in the region. Moreover there are employed over 70 people in construction process.

As a result of the project implementation, population of Kakheti and tourists visiting the region will get familiar with Georgian ancient traditions in improved conditions and will use properly operating infrastructure. The new generation will have an opportunity to learn the pitcher making skills that will assist to maintaining of ancient traditions. Project implementation is specifically significant as the ancient method of pitcher’s wine making has been granted the cultural heritage monument status by the UNESCO. Construction of Qvevris Sakhli is scheduled to be finalized in autumn 2016.