Gorijvari

There are several places of interest around Gori. One of them is the small church of Gorijvari, with a great view of the Kura Valley, the Trialeti Mountains and the town of Gori. The church itself is easily visible from Gori and the road to the church is well maintained.

A visit to the church is a good alternative to other classical sights in Gori.

The name

The name Gorijvari is made up of the two words Gori and Dschwari, which translates into English as "The Cross of Gori". The church got its name because a cross was erected on the site as early as the 4th century.

As the church of Gorijvari is dedicated to St George, it is also known as the Church of St George.

Building complex

Gorijvari consists of a church and a defensive wall.

The church of Gorijvari

The exact date of construction of the church is unknown, but it is known that two churches stood here; one probably from the 8th century and the other from later times.

Both churches were first mentioned in writing in the 16th century by the Georgian King Alexander II.

In the 19th century a new church was built on the site of the old one, but a devastating earthquake in the Gori region in 1920 destroyed both Gorijvari and the surrounding buildings.

The new church was built between 1978 and 1988 and then painted.

Interesting facts and legends

According to oral tradition, the relics of St George are buried in the church and the church itself is believed to have healing powers.

It is believed that the miraculous power of the church helps especially childless families, which is why many married couples come to the church to pray for a child.

Gori-Djvroba festival

Because the church is dedicated to St George and because, according to oral tradition, the relics of St George are buried here, a folk festival called "Gori-Djvroba" is held on his name day, once on 6 May and once on 23 November. On these days, many pilgrims from all over eastern Georgia come to the church, where, after a solemn liturgy, animals slaughtered on the spot are sacrificed and a festive meal is shared with the priests and the community.

The special cross of Gorijvari

A valuable cross from the 13th century was kept in the church. The cross is 1.88 metres high and 0.94 metres wide and is decorated with scenes from the life and martyrdom of St George, as well as images of the crucifixion and 14 other scenes from the New Testament.

The original cross is now in the Tbilisi Art Museum and a copy is in the church.

Defensive wall

The defensive wall of Gorijvari dates from the 13th century. The wall was destroyed in the 1920 earthquake and rebuilt in the 1980s along with the church.

The site

The church is located in the village of Didi Gorijvari, in region Shida Kartli, 4 kilometres from Gori, on the right bank of the Kura River. 

Thermal springs of Gorijvari

In the village of Didi Gorijvari, where the church is located, there are sulphur and thermal springs, used medicinally for joint disorders. There is also a small, simple spa house here.