WALLED SITY KVETERA

Kvetera

Walled city of Kvetera (Region of Kakheti)

Walled city of Kvetera (Georg. კვეტერას ციხე-ქალაქი) was one of the cultural centers of Kakheti. It was located at the farthest northern end of the Alazani Valley. It was first mentioned in the chronicles in the 11th century, but the indications of individual chroniclers date the foundation of the city to the 8th century, which is also confirmed by archaeological excavations. The city is located on a hill and covers a very large area. Surrounded by a stone wall, equipped with defensive towers evenly spaced from each other. After the 13th century, Kvetera is no longer mentioned in historical documents, from which we can conclude that the city at that time was deserted and lost its significance. Three buildings stand out from the buildings: a palace and two churches (hall and dome).

The main attraction of Kveter is the brilliant domed four-apse church of the 10th century. In architectural form, it is an unconditional tetraconch. The Kvetera temple is not like any of its predecessors: Atensky Sioni, Jvari, Ninotsminda – they all differ from it. During the construction, shell rock was abundantly used. Two entrances – one on the south side, the other on the west. The inside of the temple has never been painted, but the inspection of the beautiful facade of the building will give visitors a true aesthetic pleasure. The palace was built in the X-XII centuries and was two-storied. The hall church, which stood on this site even before the construction of the fortress wall, is badly damaged.

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