Georgia celebrates day of its legendary Cathedral Svetitskhoveli, ancient capital Mtskheta
The site of the monument dates back to the 4th century CE, when an original church was built in the location. It is surrounded by many legends associated primarily with early Christian traditions, including one that says it houses the burial site of Christ's mantle. Photo via mygeotrip.com
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Today Georgia is celebrating the day of its ancient capital Mtskheta and the legendary Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage monument in the city.
Hundreds of Orthodox Christians in Georgia and visitors traditionally flock to the cathedral, as various events usually accompany the celebrations of the former capital and the Svetiskhoveli cathedral.
Located in the centre of the city placed at the confluence of Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, about 20 km northwest of the capital Tbilisi, 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 via Government Administration
The site of the monument dates back to the 4th century CE, when an original church was built in the location. It is surrounded by many 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.
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 marking the day of its ancient capital Mtskheta and the Svetitskhoveli cathedral, a UNESCO world heritage monument in the city.
The National Archives of Georgia have created a special webpage dedicated to Georgia’s legendary Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
Some of Georgia's most cherished monuments will be protected in case of conflict after a special meeting of UNESCO granted three sites in the country's ancient capital Mtskheta the status of 'enhanced protection'.
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.
Orthodox Christians in Georgia are today celebrating Saint George’s Day, one of the most significant days in the country’s religious calendar.