Georgia marks day of ancient capital Mtskheta, Svetitskhoveli UNESCO monument
Svetitskhoveli is the second largest church in the country after Tbilisi’s Holy Trinity Cathedral, and was built in the 11th century by Georgian architect Arsukisdze. Photo: kartveliturs.com
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Today Georgia is marking the day of its ancient capital Mtskheta and the Svetitskhoveli cathedral, a UNESCO world heritage monument in the city.
Hundreds of believers and visitors traditionally flock to the cathedral, located in the centre of the city placed at the confluence of Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, about 20 km northwest of capital Tbilisi.
While a range of events usually accompany the celebrations of the former capital and the cathedral - which were set to be joined by the programme of the new Wine Days festival - they have been cancelled following the death of a 13-year-old girl in an incident in Tbilisi’s Vake Park recreational area on Thursday.
Svetitskhoveli is the second largest church in the country after Tbilisi’s Holy Trinity Cathedral, and was built in the 11th century by Georgian architect Arsukisdze.
The site of the monument is older and dates back to the 4th century CE, when an original church was built in the location. It is surrounded by a number of legends associated primarily with early Christian traditions, including one that says it houses the burial site of Christ's mantle.
Svetitskhoveli is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site along with other historical monuments of Mtskheta.
By the decision of the Georgian prime minister Irakli Garibashvili, all events planned within the framework of the inaugural Wine Days festival in Georgia have been postponed over the death of a 13-year-old girl who died from injuries sustained in an electrocution incident in Tbilisi’s Vake Park recreational area earlier today.
Today Georgia is celebrating the day of Georgia’s ancient capital city Mtskheta and its legendary cathedral, Svetitskhoveli. The cathedral, which allegedly houses Christ's mantle, is a Georgian Orthodox cathedral located in the historical town of Mtskheta, 20 km northwest of Tbilisi.
Tourism, agriculture and manufacturing are promising areas that will aid the development of Mtskheta-Mtianeti’s economic potential, believes Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.
The head of the Orthodox Church has bestowed the title of "holy city” on Georgia’s historical city of Mtskheta.
Georgian prime minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday hailed the Svetitskhovloba holiday as a “symbol of all the precious values that unite us - our faith, spiritual strength, unity and Christian values”, in comments coming for the celebration of the ancient capital Mtskheta and the Svetitskhoveli cathedral, a UNESCO world heritage monument in the city.
Today Georgia is celebrating the day of its ancient capital Mtskheta and the legendary Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage monument in the city.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Saturday attended a divine service dedicated to the Svetitskhovloba celebration - marking the day of the legendary Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage monument, and ancient capital Mtskheta.