Samtavisi Cathedral

Samtavisi, Georgia

Samtavisi is an eleventh-century Georgian Orthodox cathedral 45km from Tbilisi. According to a Georgian tradition, the first monastery on this place was founded by the Assyrian missionary Isidore in 572 and later rebuilt in the 10th century. Neither of these buildings has survived however. The earliest extant structures date to the eleventh century, the main edifice being built in 1030 as revealed by a now lost stone inscription. The cathedral was built by a local bishop and a skilful architect Hilarion who also authored the nearby church of Ashuriani. Heavily damaged by a series of earthquakes, the Cathedral was partially reconstructed in the 15th and 19th centuries. The masterly decorated eastern façade is the only survived original structure.

The Samtavisi Cathedral is a rectangular 4-piered cruciform domed church. It illustrates a Georgian interpretation of the cross-in-square form which set an example for many churches built in the heyday of medieval Georgia. The exterior is distinguished by the liberal use of ornamental blind arcading. The apses do not project, but their internal position is marked by deep recesses in the wall. In contrast to earlier Georgian churches, the drum of the dome is taller surmounted by a conical roof. Artistically, the most rounded portion of the church is its five-arched eastern façade, dominated by the two niches and enlivened by a bold ornate cross motif.

Beyond the main church, the Samtavisi complex includes a badly damaged two-storied bishop’s residence, a small church (5.8х3.2m), and a three-storied belltower (5.7х7.3m) attached to the 3-5m high fence made of stone and brick. All these structures date to the 17th-18th centuries.

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Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Religious sites in Georgia

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.9/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Olga Maksimovich (2 months ago)
A peaceful and tranquil experience. The history of the temple goes back practically over 1000 years (1025-1030 period of construction). The place is so serene, saturated with peace, history and holiness.
Zurab Vanishvili, Esq. (4 months ago)
Samtavisi is one of the most oldest churches in Georgia. It was constructed by the King Vakhtang Gorgasal of Georgia. It is located near the Tbilisi-Gori highway, in the village of Samtavisi. It has a unique architecture. Its walls have Georgian text written in two alphabets out three Georgian alphabets (Asomtavruli, Mkhedruli and Nuskhuri). Asomtavruli alphabet was composed by the Georgian King Parnavaz 23 centuries ago. Nuskhuri is used exclusively by the Georgian Ortodox Church. Texts on Samtavisi are written by Asomtavruli and Nuskhuri. Currently used Mkhedruli alphabet is widely used in Georgia. Samtavisi Church is a symbol of unity of the Georgian nation. It is one of the spiritual centers of all Georgians, on top of several other places like Mountain of Mtatsminda in Tbilisi, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta and David Gareji Monastery and Alaverdi Cathedral in Kakheti. Images of Alaverdi Cathedral and David Gareji monastery are printed onto the 8,000 EURO collectible banknotes published this year by the Central Bank of the European Union.
Rati Kobakhidze (5 months ago)
Beautiful and historical church, first built in XI century. There are interesting surviving paintings (from XVII century) inside the church, nice ornaments on the facade and a garden outside of the church. Highly suggested to visit if you are in the area.
Khati Kereselidze (7 months ago)
If guided by a professional, one will understand the importance and the turning point of the cathedral in Georgian architecture. Built on an open plane, lets the visitor see all its beauty
Julia Kaczmarczyk (12 months ago)
Beautiful, sadly no possibility to go inside.
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