Church of the Cross in Kvaisi, Shida Kartli, Georgia

At the top of a majestic mountain, buried in the greenery of the forest, is the Church of the Cross. This historical artifact is woven into the fabric of time, located in the Tskhinvali region, in the vicinity of the Java municipality, near the village of Kvaisi. Historically belonging to the municipality of Oni, it is now lost in Russian-occupied territory. The roots of the Church of the Cross go back to the distant past of the 10th-11th centuries.

The current state of this architectural masterpiece is modest - only fragments of its former magnitude have survived. Most of the shrines were mined for the construction of a mine canteen in Kwaisi, now destroyed. Despite this, stone slabs decorated with ornaments, with images of subjects and inscriptions in asomtavruli remained on the Natadzrali ridge. On one of the relief slabs with the image of “Escape to Egypt” was embossed the inscription in asomtavruli: “God forgave Arsen and his parents.”

The church and reliefs at Kwaisi carry immeasurable cultural significance. The masters of that time, using simple forms, achieved the greatest expression. The Church of the Cross, built of red tuff, is not only evidence of a long history, but also an excellent example of ancient Georgian art.

A visit to the Church of the Cross in Kvaisi is not only a chance to experience the ancient history of Georgia, but also to see how the craftsmanship of long-gone eras has left its mark on stone and ornament. Those who seek deep immersion in cultural heritage and inspiring art should definitely visit this place.