Bellfounding Workshop

The workshop offers visitors a demonstration of the process of casting and further processing of large-volume bells and various church items. Guests have the opportunity to witness the creation of metal casting and make small souvenirs themselves

The rich natural resources in the Kvemo Kartli region, in particular metal deposits such as Sakdris-Kachaghiani gold mine, contributed to the development of metallurgical traditions in Kvemo Kartli since the early Bronze Age. During the Middle Ages, cities such as Rustavi, Dmanisi, Samshvilde played an equally important role. Another proof of the developed metallurgical traditions of Kvemo Kartli is the Bolnisi iron deposits and especially the Foladauri (Chatakh) iron deposit, which was used until the beginning of the 20th century. The steel melting furnaces that have reached us were built by German colonists in the 19th century. Little bells found in Georgia and the Caucasus date back to the VII century. They should mainly have a ritual purpose. They were hung on horses (on the chest), cattle (Saikhre, 5th century B.C.). Until the 12th century, the Georgian church used to call the worshipers by knocking on a pole. Church bells have been widespread in Georgia since the 13th century. The art of casting bells was gradually developing. A large part of the old Georgian bells was destroyed historical invasions, even more in the 20th century, during the anti-religious campaign in the 20s. A total of two dozen Georgian bells have survived to this day, the oldest of which dates back to the 15th century. The Bellfounding Workshop aims to preserve and restore this unique tradition.