Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bagrat Cathedral in Kutaisi, the current church in Kutaisi

In Kutaisi, on Ukimerioni Hill, on the right bank of the Rioni River stands the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the so-called Bagrat Cathedral. The temple is one of the largest and largest buildings in the medieval church architecture of Georgia and is a symbol of a united and powerful Georgia.

Its construction is associated with the name of Tsar Bagrat III (978-1014), who built the cathedral after the unification of the country. Evidence that the cathedral was given great state importance is the fact that the consecration of the temple took place in a solemn atmosphere, many honored guests were invited to the ceremony.

According to the plan, the Bagrat Cathedral is a triconch with rectangular apses protruding from the outside. The vaulted dome is supported by four free-standing columns. In addition to the three main entrances located on the axes, there are two additional doors on the north and south sides. In front of the western and southern entrance there are gates with magnificent ornaments.

A three-storey tower adjoins the north-western corner of the temple, in which there are halls with fireplaces on each floor. Presumably, it was intended for members of the royal family or for the residence of the bishop of Kutaisi.

Until the 90s of the XVII century, the cathedral was almost not subjected to any damage. In 1691, when the Ottomans captured Kutaisi, they robbed the cathedral and then blew it up. In 1770, the cathedral was damaged by the cannons of the Russian General Totleben. Over time, the eastern gate and the unique mosaic of the floor covering of the XI century were destroyed. In 2012-13, work was carried out on the complete reconstruction and restoration of the cathedral. Currently, Bagrat Cathedral is an active temple.