Kashveti Church

Legend about Kashveti

The legend is mentioning Holy Father David Garejeli, one of thirteen Assyrian monks who arrived in Georgia in the 6th century to strengthen Christianity in the country. Father David Garejeli converted many pagans, but he also had enemies. One woman, bribed by them, slandered Father David by claiming that she was carrying his child. Father Davit responded that if he were guilty, then she would deliver a baby, but if he were innocent, then she would deliver a stone. That's what happened to the woman. Later, the church was built on the very spot where this miracle took place, and named Kashveti, which literally means “deliver a stone” in Georgian. 

Church Architecture

A little chapel related to the name of Davit Garejeli was first built there in the 6th century. This ancient church was replaced in the course of centuries due to inevitable damage. The current church was built in 1904-1910.

Kashveti church consists of a cross-dome, three-church structure, with Italian marble used in the construction. The carvings are copied from a number of different ancient churches in Georgia and are harmonically synchronized. 

Kashveti Frescos

Kashveti Saint George church was painted by Lado Gudiashvili, one of the greatest Georgian artists. In the frescos you can see images of Virgin Mary and baby Jesus, the Eucharist of the apostles, and the Archangel Gabriel and the Annunciation.

The frescos were made with one of the most difficult and ancient methods of encaustic painting. Paintings made in this way can survive for centuries.