Bolnisi Sioni: History, Architecture & Route

The Bolnisi Sioni Church is the oldest Georgian church built in the form of a three-aisled basilica, the first genuine basilica of the early Christian period in Georgia. It is located in the eastern part of the country, in the Kvemo Kartli region, Bolnisi Municipality, in the village of Bolnisi, 70 km from the capital, Tbilisi. The church itself is remarkable for its historical significance and the power of its artistic impact. The impressive color—the rich, striking splendor of the turquoise-green, smoothly hewn slabs of the walls—and its location, amidst the mountains and hills, can truly be called one of the most beautiful places in Georgia.

The composition and details of the church are distinguished by their colorful features, allowing it to be considered an extraordinary example of early Georgian architecture. The facades of the Bolnisi Cathedral became the source of some of the earliest ancient Georgian writings and, to this day, have preserved such long-standing examples of ancient Georgian engravings that tell the rich history of such a beautiful and multifaceted country as Georgia. In the Bolnisi Sioni, for the first time in Georgian architecture, one can encounter expressive, sculptural images—a bull's head, various birds (peacocks, birds with wreaths in their beaks), and other animals such as deer (chamois) pursued by a bear or flanked by two lions, as well as trees and plants. These historical treasures are references to the pre-Christian era, subsequently absorbed by the Christian faith.

In the cathedral, one can often encounter various images of the main Christian symbol—the cross. One of them is known as the "Bolnisi Cross." This cross is an isosceles cross, drawn by sectors of a circle, with expanding arms. Crosses of this shape are usually enclosed in a circular frame. It is believed that a similar cross dates back to the reign of the Roman ruler Constantine the Great, who in 313 AD, with the Edict of Milan, permitted the free exercise of Christianity.

History

The Bolnisi Sioni Basilica is one of the largest basilicas in Georgia. It was built as the cathedral of the newly formed Bolnisi and Dmanisi Diocese of the Georgian Orthodox Church between 478 and 493. It dates back to the 5th century. The precise date of the church's construction was determined by an inscription on its façade, which reads: "With the help of the Holy Trinity, the construction of this church was begun in the 20th year of King Peroz and completed 15 years later. May God have mercy on those who bow here, and may God also have mercy on those who pray for Bishop David of this church. Amen." Currently, the slab with this inscription is kept in the Art Museum of Georgia, and an exact replica has been placed in its place. If you're wondering, "What is there to see in Georgia?" you can answer by visiting the church and the museum. In the 8th century, a small hall chapel dedicated to St. Gregory was added to the east side of the church. In 1634, the vaults and part of the western wall were severely damaged by the Persian invasion. Restoration of the destroyed sections was initiated and completed in the first half of the 17th century, by order of Queen Maria and King Rostom. The repairs were made primarily of brick. In the last decade of that century, Bishop Nikolai of Bolnisi, who arrived "to manage the helm of the Mother of God of Zion," painted the church's interior, erected a bell tower, built an altar screen, an lectern, and a ciborium, and made rich donations of church vessels. All the works and donations were of a memorial nature: "for the remission of many sins, and for the forgiveness of the souls of my father and mother, pray."

Information on the church's most recent restoration and fortification work dates back to 1936-1936 and 1970-1971. It is considered one of many sites that can be included in the list of Georgian landmarks and is truly worth visiting.