The largest temples of Georgia. Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
The very name of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is associated with an ancient legend that is sure to attract your attention. The cathedral is elongated in shape and is an elongated rectangular structure. The size of the cultural monument made it one of the largest temples in Georgia. At one time, the temple was the most important center where baptisms, weddings and much more were held.
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Svetitskhoveli is located in the city of Mtskheta and is considered one of the most important cathedrals throughout Georgia. It was built more than 1500 years ago, has an incredible history and is very much appreciated by the Georgian people. At the end of the XX century, it was included in the World Heritage list.
The first mention appeared during the reign of Tsar Mirian III, with whom the baptism of the country began. Then the church was built of sacred cedar, this original building, unfortunately, has not been preserved. After 5 centuries, the construction of the stone cathedral began, which we can observe today.
The temple has undergone many invasions and destruction, but each time it was restored and restored by the people of Georgia.
At the end of the XIX century, the famous frescoes were painted over before the arrival of representatives from the capital, but later the walls of the temple were painted again by Russian artists. Currently, the ancient frescoes have been opened and restored.
The fresco of the XVII-XVIII centuries, which is located on the southern wall of the cathedral, depicts the plot of the Apocalypse. In the central part is the Savior surrounded by his apostles and angels. On the outer line of the circle framing the plot, 12 constellations — zodiac signs — and the heavenly body are depicted.
The Cathedral Patriarchal Church of the Georgian Orthodox Church in honor of the 12 Apostles of Svetitskhoveli is located in Mtskheta, at the mouth of rivers Chickens and Aragva in an open space. The cathedral was built in 1010-1029. The cathedral complex includes: the cathedral, the fence, the gate, the ruins of the palace of the Mtskheta Catholicos-Patriarch Melchizedek XI century. and the palace of Catholicos Anton II (1788-1811).
Name «Svetitskhoveli» It is connected with an ancient legend that tells how in the IV century King Mirian erected the first Christian temple in this place. In the middle of the V century, during the reign of Vakhtang Gorgasali, a large basilica was built on the site of the old church (fragments of which have survived to our time and the interior of the cathedral). The cathedral in its current form was built by the decree of Katalikas-Patriarch Melkisedek according to the project of architect Arsukidze. The cathedral has been repeatedly updated and modified.
In terms of the church is elongated from the fuse in the east and is an elongated rectangular structure of the cross-bathing type. In terms of its size (in terms of 57.7 x 27.0 m, height – 49 m), this monument is one of the largest temples in Georgia (in height it is slightly inferior to the Alaverdi Cathedral). Svetitskhoveli is surrounded by an XVIII century fence with two- and three-tiered towers of cylindrical and rectangular shape. Narrow doors are inserted in the southern and northern walls of the fence. The front gate for the entrance to the courtyard of the complex is located in the western part of the fence.
For many centuries, the Svetitskhoveli Temple has played a big role in the spiritual life of Georgia. It was the residence of the Georgian Catholicos-patriarchs. Baptisms, chrismation and weddings for Georgian tsars were held here. Throughout its existence, Svetitskhoveli was the tomb of representatives of the Bagrationi family and other noble families, as well as church fathers.
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