Nikozi is located immediately to the south-west of Tskhinvali and consists of a rough grid of tracks along which individual dwellings are arranged. The village is well known for its monastery.

It comprises a number of important historic buildings, including the 5th-century Church of Gvtaeba, set to the south of the complex and currently undergoing repair works. It appears undamaged by the recent conflict.

Nikozi Monastery is a unique monument of Georgian culture. The chronology of the construction of the buildings making up the monastery, as well as restoration works conducted here, span from the early Middle Ages through to the 19th century.

The village, which includes mainly 20th-century buildings and some traditional stone-built dwellings, was quite damaged (roofs having been lost from several buildings and a significant amount of wall collapse). It was chosen as a pilot site for this Immediate Action. The objectives were to prepare:

  • a "Feasibility Study" for the assessment and repair of the Nikozi Monastery buildings within the context of the wider community and village;
  • a "Reference Development Plan for the revitalisation of Nikozi village", proposing about 30 practical actions/investments in diverse fields, such as infrastructure, social facilities, repair and rehabilitation, heritage revitalisation, etc.