Cathedral of Our Lady of Blachernae in Zugdidi

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Blachernae in Zugdidi, also known as the Dadiani Palace Church, is a significant religious and historical building. Located next to the Dadiani Palace, this temple is surrounded by green trees, creating an atmosphere of privacy and spiritual peace. Construction of the cathedral began in 1825 and was completed in 1830 with the financial support of the Russian Emperor Alexander I. During this time, the temple received one of the copies of the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God, which, according to legend, more than once saved Constantinople from enemies.

Today the temple houses invaluable Christian relics, including: the chasuble and part of the belt of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the relics of St. George and St. John, the brush of St. Marina and part of the sponge from which vinegar was served to Jesus Christ. These shrines came to Georgia from Byzantium after the capture of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453.

The temple is worth visiting for spiritual guidance and prayer, as well as for veneration of great Christian shrines. Every year on July 15, the temple festival - Vlakernoba - is celebrated here, gathering believers from all over the region and beyond. This cathedral is an important center of Orthodox culture and historical heritage, which is worth a visit for anyone interested in history and religion.