Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (Region of Mtskheta – Mtianeti)
Svetitskhoveli (Georg. სვეტიცხოველი) The largest historical building among the surviving Georgian churches today. During its existence, Svetitskhoveli was rebuilt many times. It was built on the site of previous churches, the walls of which were not completely destroyed and were preserved as elements of architecture. The most important monument of Georgian culture, art and architecture, distinguished by its artistic merit and harmony. The exterior of the cathedral is unique, with its sandy yellow stone and green stone dome.
The church is built on a domed cross plan, on the foundations of a pre-existing basilica. This plan became the main form of architecture from the unification of Georgia at the end of the 10th century. The current building was erected in 1020 by the architect Arsukidze. The first cathedral of the 4th century suffered many destructions, and only the foundations remain. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is believed by many to be the place where the Holy Tunic in which Jesus Christ was clothed before his crucifixion was buried, according to the Christian faith. For this reason, the cathedral is visited by hundreds of worshipers every day, and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Georgia.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
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