Georgian PM inspects repairs of Alaverdi Cathedral after blizzard, wind damage
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Sunday inspected repair works on the 11th century CE Alaverdi Cathedral in the country’s eastern region of Kakheti, after the cultural heritage monument was damaged by a blizzard and strong winds last month. Photo: Gov't Administration
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Sunday inspected repair works on the 11th century CE Alaverdi Cathedral in the country’s eastern region of Kakheti, after the cultural heritage monument was damaged by a blizzard and strong winds last month.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Nikoloz Aznaurashvili, the General Director of the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation and Metropolitan Davit of Abba Alaverdi, who provided “detailed information” on the situation at the monastery complex, Government Administration said.
The body added scaffolding was being constructed around the Cathedral’s dome and specialists would “soon commence the repairs”.
The blizzard swept over the complex on June 25, tearing off the tin covering of the dome, damaging the tile roof, breaking windows on the western side of the Cathedral and the dome and causing damage to tin roofs of the belfry and the episcopal palace.
Additionally, the balcony of the palace collapsed, a cross fell from the Cathedral’s dome and the surrounding infrastructure was also affected.
The Administration said the ongoing restoration works aimed to “preserve the historic and cultural significance” of the Cathedral, renowned as the tallest church in the country.