The Katskhi Pillar was known as a holy place even before Christianity in Georgia. In 6-8th centuries, the Church was built on the top of it.
4th century. Young Nino’s counsellor tells her a legend about Sidonia, who was buried in Mtskheta, with Christ’s robe in her hands. Nino decides to get to Iberia (known as Georgia nowadays) and its capital Mtskheta. She aimed not only to see the holy place, but also to bring Christianity to Iberia. She was the first Georgian ecclesiast. Even today, Saint Nino is well known in Georgia. Many families call their daughters in honour of her.
Lots of orthodox churches were built in 4th century on Georgian lands. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, located in Mtskheta, was one of the first among them.
That Cathedral had a very different look comparing to the modern one. Long time ago it was a wooden church that was built using the cedar grown on Sidonia’s tomb.
Jvari Church is located on a huge hill near Mtskheta and Tbilisi. It is another church built in the beginning of 4th century.
It is one of the most important monuments of medieval Georgia and listed in the UNESCO world heritage list. This church has a scenic view to Kura and Aragvi river junction.
Jvaris Mama Church was built in 5th century. It didn’t survive, but was reconstructed 11 centuries after.
David Gareja was one of 13 monks who came to Georgia in 6th century to spread christianity. He built a small chapel. In the middle of 19th century, Mamadavity and Transfiguration Churches were built on that place.
Sioni Cathedral of the Dormition
In 7th century, on territory of present-day Tbilisi, was built a church. It was later destroyed by Arab troops occupied the city. In 1112 a new Cathedral was built on that place. This cathedral will be occupied and suffer earthquakes many times. At the end of 18th century, the cathedral will be heavily wrecked again and reconstructed in 20 years. Nowadays, Sioni or The Sioni Cathedral of the Dormition looks like this:
One more Church listed in UNESCO world heritage list is The Bagrati Cathedral located in Kutaisi. It was built in 11th century.
Metekhi Church
Metekhi Church was built in 12th century. Now it is located in the heart of present-day Tbilisi.
Saint Nicholas Church
Saint Nicholas church located on Narikala Fortress territory (our article about Tbilisi) was built in 12th century.
And the most modern building (beginning of 21th century) is Tsminda Sameba or The Holy Trinity Cathedral.
It is located on the Saint Ilya’s hill, so it can be seen from many parts of the city.
All these churches and cathedrals are still functioning.
During our walk near Mtskheta, we found an interesting cave…
When we walked closer, we found out that there is a ladder that can be used to get in. So we did!
We were quite surprised to find an altar inside: some icons, a cross, candlesticks, some candles and matches.
Also there were some tools for cleaning the room: a dustpan and a broom. And a small box for change to support the existence of this place.
Of course, these are just several holy places of Georgia. We hope to make this list longer while travelling across this beautiful country.
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