Large majestic temples in Georgia. Jvari Monastery.
The Jvari Monastery is a large majestic structure that marked the beginning of the development of domed temples in Georgia. Jvari is located on the top of a rocky massif, which offers a beautiful view of the natural expanses of Georgia. If you look from the outside, you can see that the cathedral is lined with large limestone hewn stones. The Jvari Monastery is still active.
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On the reliefs of the facade there are historical characters, on whose initiative and at whose expense the temple was built in the center, erismtavari Stefazon kneeling before Christ, on the left – his brother Dmitry together with the guardian angel, on the right - the heir of Stefanoz – Adarnase.
The majestic Temple Jvari it is located east of the ancient capital of Georgia Mtskheta, at the mouth of rivers Chickens and Aragvi, to the top of the mountain. Erected on the top of a rocky massif, the church seems to have grown into the mountain and serves as its organic completion and the center of the entire surrounding landscape. It is impossible to imagine the landscape today Mtskheta without this temple.
According to legend, Saint Nino installed a symbol of the new religion on the mountain - a large wooden cross, which Christians all over the Caucasus worshipped. Later, the ruler of Kartli Guaram built a small church near the cross, which today is called "Small Jvari". In 586/87- 604, the son of Guaram erismtavari Stefanoz I erected a large temple, which covered a wooden cross (the cross stand has been preserved in the church to this day). Other structures located around the temple belong to a later period.
The Jvari Temple marked the beginning of a new stage in the development of Georgian church architecture - the domed temple. According to the plan, the Jvari belongs to the type of tetrachone with rooms between the arms, which in the central space for two-thirds of the circle open with high and narrow niches. These are corner rooms: a sacristy, an altar, a room for women (it had a separate entrance from the south-eastern side). The fourth room is supposed to have been intended for representatives of noble families and clergy. The priest's throne in the altar is raised by two levels.
The cathedral was built of large hewn limestone squares. Hewn stone is also used in the interior, initially devoid of any decorations. Only the domed vault is decorated with a relief cross. The Jvari Temple is a functioning cathedral. It is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
The ancient Georgian people often built substantial fortresses and temples. This helped to protect against attacks from enemies, to preserve relics and significant values. Thanks to this, many ancient monasteries have been preserved on the territory of the country, which are still in operation, and which we can visit. Not every country has such a vivid memory of the times of a thousand years ago. This is what Georgia is famous for, which puts the preservation and reverence of traditions and customs at the head of its national characteristics.
You can learn more about life in this unique country on the pages of the Madloba catalog. We publish a variety of articles for travelers and migrants who have moved to Georgia. Read reviews, reviews and the latest news on our website and get closer to the people of Georgia!
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