Bedia Cathedral

Ochamchire, Georgia

Bedia Cathedral is a medieval Georgian Orthodox cathedral located in Bedia, in a disputed region on the Black Sea coast.

Bedia Cathedral was originally built at the close of the 10th century and consecrated in 999 on the behest of King Bagrat II of Abkhazians, who would go on to become King of the Georgians as Bagrat III and who was interred at the church after his death. The extant edifices, however, date back to the 13th-14th centuries and include a domed cruciform church, a belltower resting upon the northern narthex and the ruins of an old palace. The southern wall of the main church contains fragments of contemporary murals, including the portraits of Bagrat II and the representatives of the Dadiani noble family of Georgia.

In the Catholicate of Abkhazia, Bedia was the centre of a diocese and the seat of a bishop. In the 17th century, services were ceased, but resumed from the second half of the 19th century onwards.

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Address

Ochamchire, Georgia
See all sites in Ochamchire

Details

Founded: 999 AD
Category: Religious sites in Georgia

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.9/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Olga Kapitsa (2 years ago)
The road leaves much to be desired. But quietly on a sedan you can get. You can visit the historical object once for general development.
Виталий Баранецкий (3 years ago)
A very beautiful and strong place, despite the fact that the cathedral is destroyed. This year appeared inside the forest. These temples need to be rebuilt. Last year was in October, when snow fell in the mountains and contemplating the snowy peaks from this place is an indescribable feeling. If you are traveling in Abkhazia, then this place is a must to visit. You will not regret. If you are on your own car, then it is better to go through Tvarkchal. They made a good asphalt road. Although this is longer at the insistence, but in time you will arrive 5-10 minutes faster than turning off the main road at the Bedia sign. The road is bad there. Enjoy Silence. Although we were here last year, a friend said as soon as we entered this space that the Silence is such that even the eardrums are deafening. Yes, there is a ringing Silence in the air, which you rarely see anywhere.
Маргарита Миронова (3 years ago)
The Bedia Cathedral is an incredible monument of ancient architecture that has survived many centuries. The cathedral was consecrated in honor of the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God. According to accurate data, the cathedral was built in 999 during the reign of the famous Abkhazian king Bagrat III, and it is here that the royal tomb is located. For a thousand years, the temple has gone through a lot: it has been reconstructed, destroyed and rebuilt again. The place was chosen by King Bagrat III himself - on a hill, surrounded by picturesque mountains. The cliffs of the plateau have become a natural barrier, turning the temple into an almost impregnable fortress - you can climb up only from the western side. Services in the Bedia Cathedral of Abkhazia were held until the beginning of the 17th century. The temple was abandoned after the Ottomans invaded and established their power in the territory of Abkhazia. We ended up in this place quite by accident. We took a jeep ride to the waterfalls and the abandoned city of Akarmara. On the way back, our drivers offered to continue the tour for 500 rubles. from the passenger ride to the temple. The place is very cool. I recommend.
Jane Boiko (3 years ago)
I love this pkace , so peaceful
Максим Сотников (5 years ago)
Историю собора писать не буду, кому интерестно посмотрят в интернете, с места где стоит собор открывается шикарный вид. Очень интерестный, вместе со всеми пристройкпми на территории. Съездить стоит.
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