Online publication Chai Khana reported on July 8 that an unauthorized refectory has been under construction for more than a month near the 9th-10th century Lamaria Monastery in Upper Svaneti.
Following reporting by Chai Khana, the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Protection stated that construction work underway at the historic Lamaria Monastery in Ushguli is unauthorized.
“The Agency has not issued a relevant permit for the construction work of the cells on the territory of the Lamaria Monastery in Ushguli,” the statement reads.
The Agency says Georgian legislation requires prior approval for any construction, rehabilitation, or other intervention at cultural heritage sites.
Officials say they are investigating the case and will provide additional information after completing the procedures required by law.
The Lamaria Monastery, located above the village of Zhibiani in Ushguli, dates back to the 9th-10th centuries and is a protected cultural heritage monument.
Upper Svaneti is protected under UNESCO World Heritage status in recognition of its outstanding universal value, making the preservation of its historic monuments subject to both national and international protection.
