The monastery complex in the village of Alaverdi is a monument of medieval architecture, included in the top attractions of Georgia.

In the sunny land of wine and vineyards, Kakheti, stands the majestic Alaverdi Cathedral. It was located in the Alazani Valley near the village of Alaverdi. Wine lovers and experienced sommeliers often come to the valley, but in addition to the traditional drink, there is much to see in Georgia. The valley is located at the foot of the snow-capped mountains of the Caucasus Range.

You can get here from Telavi. There are shuttle buses and cabs from the city and it takes only 10-15 minutes to get there, as the settlement is only 20 kilometers from the city.

According to historical sources, the exact date of the monastery's construction dates back to the 6th century, with Joseph Alaverdeli, one of the Assyrian fathers, in charge of the construction.

Several centuries later, the monarch who ruled the country in the 11th century, Kvirike, rebuilt the building, greatly increasing the scale of the original church. Thanks to the actions of the Kakhetian king, one can now see one of the most impressive cathedrals of the country.

From this time (11th century) the cathedral became the center of ecclesiastical life in Kakheti, it became the central representation of the heads of the diocese. Not only the first persons of Georgian religion, but also representatives of the monarchal family resided here. Later in the cathedral was organized the royal tomb.

Because of the high seismic activity of the region the cathedral was subjected to regular earthquakes, which affected its integrity. It was repeatedly restored, a large-scale restoration was carried out only in the second half of the 15th century, during the reign of King Alexander. As a result of the work, the main dome and walls were restored.

In the first half of the 18th century as a result of a strong earthquake the cathedral was significantly damaged, its restoration was engaged by Queen Tamara, and after her death it was engaged in the restoration of one of the most beautiful cathedrals of Herakliy II.

In 1966 research was conducted on the territory of the cathedral, during the clearing of the walls were discovered frescoes from different epochs. The oldest are paintings from the 11th century, frescoes from later periods can be seen on the south side of the monastery. They date from the 15th-16th centuries, while the "youngest" frescoes date from the 16th-17th centuries and are located on the west and north walls of the cathedral.

Originally the cathedral was a men's monastery; later, in the 17th-18th centuries, a women's monastery was organized here as well, where even some members of the royal family lived.

The cathedral also produced literary activities, many works of eminent Georgian chroniclers were created in this very place.