Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Svetitskhoveli Temple (Georgia: სვეტიცხოველი ) is one of the most famous and revered temples in Georgia, located in the city of Mtskheta, which is the historical capital of Georgia. This temple is important as a religious and cultural monument and was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1994.

Here are some basic facts about the Svetitskhoveli Temple:

History

The Svetitskhoveli Temple was built in the 4th century on the site where, according to legend, the tunic of the Virgin Mary was buried. This place is sacred to Christianity in Georgia, and the temple is considered one of the most ancient Christian temples in the world.

Architecture

Svetitskhoveli Temple was built in the style of Georgian Christian architecture and has a traditional domed appearance. It has red brick and a huge dome decorated with crosses. The temple also has many frescoes and icons inside.

Significance

Svetitskhoveli Temple is one of the main centers of pilgrimage and religious worship in Georgia. It serves as a place of prayer and celebration of important Christian holidays.

Legend

According to legend, the great shrine of this temple houses one of the most sacred relics – the tunic that was worn by Jesus Christ. The tunic was supposedly brought to Mtskheta by Saint Nino, who played an important role in the enlightenment of Georgia and the adoption of Christianity.

Architectural Changes

Svetitskhoveli Temple has undergone various reconstructions and modifications during its history. These changes added elements of different styles, which gave the temple a distinctive architectural appearance.

Svetitskhoveli Temple is an important symbol of Georgia’s religious and cultural heritage and a place that attracts both pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.