Katskhi Church

During its existence, the Katskhi Church burned down twice and was restored and preserved. It is different from all the churches built in Georgia - it is polygonal on the outside, and consists of six semicircular apses located around the dome space. Dubois de Montperreux, a Swiss traveler and researcher of antiquities, considered the Katskhi Temple a true pearl of Georgian architecture.  

The church is 13.5 meters long, 12 meters wide, and 17.5 meters high. The figure of the Baghvashti coat of arms, a lion and an old angel, is at the main entrance. Inside the bypass entrance, on the right side, is a scene of four angels raising the cross, in an enclosed, carved frame.  

There’s a monumental bas-relief of a lion in the church courtyard. Bas-reliefs, mostly depicting lions, occupy all entrances to the church. 

The Katskhi Monastery was a great cultural center, housing a unique gospel written on leather, which was translated by Ekvtime of Athos in 1059.

In 1924, the Soviet government closed the Katskhi Church, and until 1990 all attempts to restore it were unsuccessful. Today it is a functioning temple, where you can enter freely.

This wonderful architectural site is awaiting you in 3 hours drive from Tbilisi and 1.5 hours from Kutaisi.  

Very close to this place, the truly remarkable sight of Georgia - Katskhi Pillar is located.