Georgian Churches

Georgian Orthodox churches, monasteries, basilicas, chapels, fortified church complexes, and religious ensembles


Ninotsminda Cathedral

A 6th-century fortified complex featuring a unique church, a residential palace, and a distinct, multi-level belltower

Ninotsminda Cathedral
Ninotsminda Cathedral, AD 575
National Heritage Monument

David Gareji

A vast monastic city carved into the desert cliffs, founded by Saint David and devastated by Shah Abbas in 1616

David Gareji complex
David Gareja Monastic Complex and the Gareji monks in the late 19th century
UNESCO Tentative List

Katsareti Trinity

Dating back to the 5th century, this impressive basilica preserves ancient architecture and rare frescoes that have survived for centuries

Katsareti Trinity
A real roe deer living in the courtyard of Katsareti Church
National Heritage Monument

Ujarma Fortress Town

5th-century fortress-town site of the royal palace a strategic crossroads and a historic battlefield

Ujarma fortress city
Ujarma fortress-city and the Iori River valley, aerial view
National Heritage Monument

Nekresi Monastery Complex

In a forest of magical beauty, Nekresi is an ancient Caucasus bastion of Christianity where the missionary Abibos was martyred by Persians for his unwavering faith

Nekresi Georgia
Nekresi Monastery complex nestled in the forest
National Heritage Monument

Akhali Shuamta

Resting in the beautiful woods during her wedding journey, the queen discovered the tree from her childhood dream. This is where her vision became reality

New Shuamta 1944
Shuamta Monastery 1944
National Heritage Monument

Dzveli Shuamta

6th–7th century monastic complex of three churches, featuring one of Georgia's earliest triple-church basilicas

Dzveli Shuamta Monastery
Viwe of Dzveli Shuamta
National Heritage Monument

Akura MamaDaviti

Church hides unique medallions of men and a rare, striking depiction of Christ as the Sun

Akura MamaDaviti
Akura MamaDaviti Basilica
National Heritage Monument

Sanagire Church

Hidden in this ancient and mystical forest lies an 11th-century church, a unique fusion of basilican and domed styles that served as the main sanctuary of a long-abandoned monastery

Sanagire church
View of Sanagire Church
National Heritage Monument

Vachnadziani Kvelatsminda

Unique and unparalleled architectural design, a remarkable monument of Georgia’s 9th-century Transitional Period

Vachnadziani Kvelatsminda
Vachnadziani Kvelatsminda 1914
National Heritage Monument

Alaverdi Monastery

At the foot of the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains stands a cathedral founded by the Assyrian Fathers

Alaverdi Georgia Kakheti
Alaverdi Monastery and its fortification wall Against the backdrop of the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains
UNESCO Tentative List

Gurjaani Kvelatsminda

A double-domed basilica standing in total solitude within a forest thicket on the mountain slope, by a mountain stream and a spring

Gurjaani Kvelatsminda Georgia Kakheti
Double-domed 8th-century church in picturesque nature
UNESCO Tentative List