Christianity came to Georgia in the 4th century, and they’ve certainly been busy since building churches. Georgian Orthodox churches tend to be pretty consistent in style, and there is a risk of “same same but different” after a while, but its hard to get bored when they’re as beautiful as this.
Gelati Cathedral, Kutaisi
My favourite of the ~20 churches I visited. It’s nothing particularly special from the outside, not helped by the repair work, but stepping inside was a jaw dropping experience. The cavernous interior was covered in strong colours and equisite art work.
Dating from the 6th century, this is one of the oldest and holiest religious sites in Georgia, perched on a scenic (and defensible) hilltop overlooking the once Georgian capital of Mtskheta.
In Mtskheta itself this was one of the most impressive buildings in Georgia, a huge 11th century cathedral surrounded by defensive walls. The interior was equally impressive, and home to some of the holiest relics in the country.
So over restored that it lost it’s UNESCO status, but still quite a sight, particularly from the outside, up on the hillside overlooking Kutaisi, the second largest city in Georgia.
Only 12 years old, this is a traditional Georgian church on steroids, visible throughout Tbilisi, with its gleaming golden roof reflecting in the sunshine.
Heavily fortified with a tower providing great views over the two churches.
One of the most spectacularly located churches in Georgia, high on the hillside overlooking Kazbegi.
A selection of my favourite churches in Tbilisi.
