Samtavisi Cathedral
Cathedral of 1030 near Igoeti, about 45 km from Tbilisi, known for the richly carved cross and arches of its east facade.
Samtavisi CathedralPhoto: Jaba1977, CC BY-SA 4.0Samtavisi Cathedral stands in the village of Samtavisi on the left bank of the Lekhura River, about 45 km west of Tbilisi and 11 km from Kaspi. It was completed in 1030 by the architect Hilarion, son of Vane Kanchaeli, together with a local bishop, and it is one of the key buildings of 11th-century Georgian architecture. The church is a cross-domed design, set inside an enclosure wall with a bell tower.
The east facade is the one to see. Five arches, two deep niches and a large ornate cross cover the wall, with a decorated window and a gryphon relief. Much of the rest of the building was rebuilt after earthquakes, but the east front survives in its original form. The village is in Georgian-controlled territory, but the occupation line of the Tskhinvali region is not far to the north, so stay on the main roads.
History
An inscription, now lost, dated the cathedral to 1030, when it was built by the architect Hilarion and a local bishop. Earthquakes later brought down the dome, part of the west wall and the pillars, and the building was partly reconstructed in the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1679 Givi Amilakhvari and his wife paid for new frescoes. A 19th-century restoration altered the facades, removing portals and one of two gryphon reliefs from the east wall.
What to see and do
- Carved east facade with five arches and a great cross
- Gryphon relief on the east wall
- Blind arcading around the exterior
- Bell tower and enclosure wall
How to visit
Getting there
Samtavisi is about 45 km west of Tbilisi, a short detour north of the E60 highway near Igoeti; allow 45 minutes to 1 hour by car. It is an easy stop on the way to Gori.
When to go
Morning, when the sun lights the east facade. Plan 30–45 minutes here.
- Come in the morning for the best light on the carved east facade.
- Stay on main roads; the occupation line lies to the north.
- Modest dress is expected inside.
- Combine with Kvatakhevi Monastery and Gori on the drive west.
Samtavisi Cathedral: FAQ
When was Samtavisi Cathedral built?
In 1030, according to a now-lost inscription, by the architect Hilarion. The east facade survives from that time, while other parts were rebuilt after earthquakes.
Where is Samtavisi Cathedral?
In the village of Samtavisi in Kaspi municipality, near Igoeti, about 45 km west of Tbilisi and just north of the main highway to Gori.
Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Samtavisi Cathedral.
