The main feature of this church is written straight into its name: the round church. In Georgian architecture a circular plan is a great rarity.
The overwhelming majority of churches in the country were built either as basilicas, elongated in plan, or as cross-domed structures, and a rotunda stands out from that series at once, even before you enter. The church is dedicated to the Mother of God, while its second name, Laituri, ties it to the neighbouring railway junction whose name is carried by three more sites nearby.
No dating has become attached to the building, which is a pity: for a church of unusual form the age would be especially interesting. It is worth coming here for the architecture itself. Dress soberly, women bring a headscarf.
๐ Of interest
- A church of circular plan, a rarity in Georgian architecture
- Khvarbeti village east of the Laituri junction, western Guria
- Three more sites named Laituri stand nearby
๐ Getting there
- Landmark: western Guria, Khvarbeti village east of the Laituri junction
- For navigation tap Build Route
โ๏ธ If you have made it here, tell about it in a review - your experience will help others.
