Samtavisi Cathedral: 11th-Century Architecture & Route

In 2015, in the town of Grakliani (Kaspi Municipality), archaeologists discovered an ancient temple and two altars dating back to before the Common Era. A line of unknown writing is carved into the pedestal of one of these structures. The inscription is dated to the 11th-10th centuries BC. Scholars believe it is the oldest example of ancient Georgian writing.

The 11th-century Samtavisi Episcopal Cathedral is located in the historical region of Georgia—Shida Kartli, in the village of Samtavisi in the Kaspi District, on the left bank of the Lekhura River. The cathedral seems to soar upward with its dynamic forms, proudly gazing over the fence at the surrounding area.

In terms of its original architectural and artistic solutions, Samtavisi marks a new stage in the history of Georgian art: the cathedral is a model in which the builders achieved a near-perfect unity of form and content. Therefore, throughout the subsequent period, the architectural style of this cathedral was consistently used in the construction of Georgian domed churches.

The Samtavisi Domed Church was built in 1030 at the initiative of Bishop Illarion Samtavneli of Samtavisi. The cathedral's plan, compared to other buildings of the time, is significantly shortened and square.

Of note are the relief decorative elements on the eastern side of the façade, which were subsequently widely used in Georgian religious architecture. The composition consists of a large ornamented cross, a carved casing over the altar window, and two ornamented diamonds. All decorative elements of the façade are united by decorative arches. The carving of the relief compositions is impeccable.

The relief depiction of a griffin under the northern arch of the eastern façade deserves special attention. Fragments of 17th-century wall paintings have been preserved inside the cathedral. The bell tower, built into the cathedral's enclosure, dates back to the late feudal period. The courtyard contains the ruins of a residential building and various structures, including an ancient basilica. The cathedral currently houses a convent.

Religious churches and monasteries in Georgia are particularly significant. After all, it was here that the Christianization of European countries began. These ancient buildings embody the incredible energy of their time, and are therefore revered not only by locals but also by visitors.

Read more about Georgia, its customs, and attractions in the Madloba directory. Here you'll find useful tourist guides, ratings and reviews of hotels and restaurants, as well as detailed descriptions of the most interesting places in the region.

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