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Alaverdi Cathedral Alaverdi Cathedral, dedicated to St George, is one of the tallest sacred buildings in the country and the most important church in the Kakheti region. It is set in a picturesque landscape on the Alazani River, surrounded by vineyards and with the Great Caucasus Mountains in the background. Alaverdi complex includes 1. Main church, dedicated to St George History of Alaverdi cathedral In order to strengthen the Christian religion in the country, 13 priests from Syria came to Georgia in the 6th century, including the founder of the monastery, Joseph Alverdeli. He lived in the village of Alaverdi, built a small church and then founded the monastery. Later, in the 11th century, the Cathedral of Alaverdi was built on the site of the small church. After the invasion of the Persian Shah Abbas I in 1616, services in the Alaverdi Cathedral were suspended and it was used by the Persians as a fortress until the end of the 17th century. At the beginning of the 18th century, the cathedral was consecrated again, but was again attacked, this time by the North Caucasian tribes of Dagestan. The cathedral was severely damaged. In 1742, a major earthquake struck Kakheti and the already badly damaged Alaverdi Cathedral was almost completely destroyed. Soon after the earthquake, King Irakli and his mother Tamara had Alaverdi Cathedral thoroughly restored. They also ordered the construction of the defensive wall around the cathedral, which is still well preserved today. It is also interesting to know that the Alaverdi Cathedral served not only as a monastery for men, but also as a nunnery throughout history, for example in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the 19th century, after the annexation of Georgia by Russia, the cathedral was rebuilt, the frescoes were whitewashed and the original iconostasis was replaced by a Russian one. During the Soviet era, the Cathedral and the Alaverdi Monastery were closed for worship and the monastery buildings were rebuilt. However, several excavations and restorations were carried out, especially in the 1960s. The Alaverdi Cathedral was reconsecrated in 1991 and since then there has been a functioning monastery with about 15 monks. Interesting information, facts and dates about Alaverdi Cathedral For a long time it was thought that the tomb of St Joseph Alawerdeli was located in the north-western part of the church, but after the recent restoration of the church it was realised that the tomb was only symbolic. It is believed that the saint's tomb was moved to a hidden place during the Persian siege. Two Kakhetian kings, Alexander I and Timuraz I, are buried in the cathedral. According to historians, the relics of the Georgian martyr and Queen Ketevan are also buried in the Alaverdi Cathedral. Her life was described by the German poet and playwright Andreas Gryphius in his Baroque drama "Catherine of Georgia". Architecture of the Alaverdi Cathedral The Alaverdi Cathedral is the third largest sacred building in the country after the Sameba Cathedral in Tbilisi and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta. Dimensions: floor plan 41.7 x 26.4 metres; height 50 metres Architecturally, Alaverdi is a cross-domed church. It is mainly built of river stone, but the restorations have been done in brick. The original roof was made of blue tiles, and fragments of the old roof can still be seen on the dome. The narrow dome of the church, which is characteristic of Kakheti, has 16 decorated narrow windows, which allow sufficient light to enter the church. Interior and frescoes Frescoes in the interior of Alaverdi Cathedral date from different periods. Above the altar, the Virgin Mary is depicted with Jesus on her lap and the archangels Michael and Gabriel at her side. The fresco dates from the 15th century. On the second and third levels, below Mary, are the Fathers of the Church, painted in the 11th century. The biblical episodes on the south side date from the 16th century. Other frescoes from the 16th century can be seen in the western part of the church. 2. Refectory and monks' quarters The two-storey building at the main entrance is the refectory of the Alawerdi Cathedral. In addition to the refectory, there are several living quarters for the monks. The entrance to the building is via two staircases from the inside of the defensive wall to the left of the entrance gate. 3. Defensive wall The defensive wall around the Alaverdi Cathedral was built in the 18th century by the Georgian King Irakli II and is still in good condition. 4. Palace of the Persian commander Peikar Khan In the 17th century, Peikhar Khan, the right-hand man of Shah Abbas I, had a small oriental-style palace built on the grounds of the monastery. The building stands on the north-west side, about 20 metres from the Alawerdi Cathedral. The two-storey building is a regular octagon (diameter 5.2 metres) and is well restored. The two floors are connected by a staircase built inside the building. 5. Alaverdi Wine Cellar The Alaverdi Wine Cellar is a 50-metre-long building on the north side of the monastery, parallel to the defensive wall. During the Soviet era, the cellar was used as a car repair shop and the amphorae were filled with petrol. At the beginning of the year 2000, the cellar was completely renovated and now wines are produced according to the old Georgian and European methods. 6. The Baths of Alaverdi The baths are located outside the defensive wall, on the south-eastern side, about 80 metres from the site. They were built mainly in brick, but also with river stones. The baths are characterised by their dome-shaped tiled roofs. Etymology There are various interpretations of the origin of the name Alaverdi. Some scholars believe it may derive from "given by God (Allah)" (Alah Verdi). Others believe it may come from the pagan idol "Alardi", which was worshipped here until the country became Christian. In any case, the village must have been called Alawerdi in the 6th century, otherwise Joseph, the founder of the monastery, would not have been nicknamed "Alawerdeli" (coming from Alawerdi). Alaverdoba The Alaverdoba is an annual festival held at the Alawerdi Cathedral and is similar to a harvest festival. Originally, however, the Alaverdoba was a religious festival in honour of the founder of the monastery, Joseph Alaverdeli, during which liturgies were held over several days. Over time, the festival took on a more secular character, and by the 19th century it had little to do with religion. Nowadays, the Alaverdoba festival begins at the end of September and lasts for three weeks. It is divided into three parts: The main, middle and final parts, each lasting a week. Many people and families come to the festival, not only from all over Georgia, but also from neighbouring countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Dagestan and Chechnya. No distinction is made at the festival as to who is of what faith, what colour or where they come from. People gather under the magnificent monument of the Alaverdi Cathedral and thank God, Allah, Jehovah and so on for being alive, for their family's health or for a good harvest. People often come with candles, lots of food and plenty to drink. Small stalls are set up around the Alaverdi Cathedral, especially along the street, and the place is transformed into a lively market. Music is played everywhere, there is dancing and everyone who passes by is invited to join in, and of course to drink. At the end of the festival, two to three hundred horsemen from the Georgian mountain region of Tusheti gather and walk around the cathedral singing three times to honour the souls of the deceased warriors who gave their lives in numerous battles throughout history for the cathedral, for the region and for the country. In 1962, a Georgian director made a film about the "Alaverdoba" festival, which you can watch for free on YouTube. Here is the link: Location of the Cathedral The Cathedral and Monastery of Alaverdi are located in the eastern part of Georgia, in the Kakheti region, about 20 kilometres from the region's capital - Telavi. On following trip, you will visit Alaverdi Cathedral |
