Svetitskhoveli Cathedral: Georgia's Ancient Spiritual Heart

Our travels through Georgia brought us to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the historic town of Mtskheta. This enormous Orthodox church, whose name means "Cathedral of the Living Pillar," is imposing in scale and significance.

Built between 1010 and 1029, Svetitskhoveli is Georgia's second largest church and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through its massive doors, we were immediately struck by the vastness of the interior space and the beautiful medieval architecture that has survived centuries of invasions and earthquakes.

The cathedral is rich with history - it's said to be the burial site of Christ's mantle and served as the coronation and burial place for Georgian kings. The interior features lovely frescoes (though many were sadly whitewashed during the Russian Imperial period) and numerous icons adorning the walls.

What made this visit particularly special was exploring the surrounding area. The streets adjacent to the cathedral are lined with merchants and small shops, giving the whole place a charming medieval atmosphere. We enjoyed strolling through these lanes, browsing local crafts and goods. The entire setting feels like stepping back in time, creating a perfect complement to the ancient cathedral itself.

Between the impressive architecture, beautiful interior paintings, and atmospheric old town surroundings, Svetitskhoveli offers a wonderful glimpse into Georgia's rich cultural and religious heritage. It is a beautiful place that is definitely worth visiting.