The Lower Church of St. George stands at 6 Chanturia Street in Kutaisi, right next to the Rioni River, on the edge of the historic Jewish quarter. Built in 1725 as an Armenian church, it has functioned as a Georgian Orthodox church since 1989.
The name "Lower" distinguishes this church from the Upper Church of St. George near Bagrati Cathedral, of which only ruins remain today. Baptisms and other sacraments are performed in the current church, and according to parishioners, the church's first priest is buried in the courtyard.
Read the blog about the church that changed its congregation
📜 History and facts
- Built in 1725 as an Armenian church, likely the only one in Kutaisi at the time.
- In 1989, it was transferred to the Georgian Orthodox community.
- The name "Lower" distinguishes it from the destroyed Upper Church of St. George near Bagrati Cathedral.
🏛️ Architecture
- A twelve-sided drum with narrow windows, a soaring form
- Bas-reliefs above the western and southern entrances depict scenes of a horseman slaying a monster with a spear
- Built of white translucent stone, rare in Georgia
🕊️ What's happening in the church today
- Baptisms and other sacraments are being performed
- According to parishioners, the church's first priest is buried in the courtyard.
🧭 Where is it and how to get there
- 6 Chanturia Street, Kutaisi, by the Rioni River
- Nearby is the Bagrati Cathedral and the historic synagogue
💰 Paid or free
- Free admission
- Open daily
