Cultural Heritage Agency rejects claims of damage to Nikortsminda medieval cathedral

The National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia on Thursday rejected allegations made by the domestic non-governmental organisation Europe Our House that said the Nikortsminda medieval cathedral in the Racha region of western Georgia was “being damaged” by calling the claims “inaccurate”. 

A representative of the NGO made the claim this week, with the Agency noting in its response the cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate built during the reign of King Bagrat III between 1010-1014, had undergone an “extensive restoration and rehabilitation” in 2018. 

Overseen by the domestic Arts Conservation Centre, the restoration efforts included replacement of the tin foil of the monument’s roof with copper sheets, upgrades to windows and doors, stone conservation, interior plastering and painting restoration, electrical installations and bell tower rehabilitation, the body said, adding the total cost for the work had amounted to ₾946,175 ($351,000).

It further said a monitoring in August by its personnel had revealed the monument to be in a "satisfactory condition", with only “minor issues” identified, and emphasised absence of structural concerns, interior water infiltration, or observable deterioration of wall paintings.

Tornike Baratashvili, a representative of Europe Our House, shared photos of the cathedral on his social media account on Wednesday, alleging damage to its stone wall caused by alleged precipitation from the copper roof.

In comments to the photographs, he stressed the importance of clearing the snow accumulated near the foundation to mitigate moisture-related risks, particularly on the northern facade of the building.

In response, the state Agency reiterated its commitment to continued monitoring of the monument and pledged to take "appropriate measures if necessary".