Dmanisi Sioni cathedral

Dmanisi Sioni cathedral is a medieval church in Kvemo Kartli featuring a three-part nave structure with a protruding apse and walls of grayish stone. The building follows the classical Georgian ecclesiastical design with thick masonry construction that has endured through the centuries.

The cathedral was built between the 6th and 9th centuries and served as a bishop's residence until the middle of the 18th century. A Georgian king was entombed within its walls after the early 14th century, adding to its religious importance.

The cathedral carries a name rooted in medieval Georgian custom, linking this building to sacred places in Jerusalem through spiritual tradition. Pilgrims and worshippers have long visited the site as an expression of this deep connection to Eastern Orthodox devotion.

The cathedral sits at the intersection of two rivers and remains open for visitors while hosting regular religious services. The location is best explored on foot to appreciate the medieval stonework and its river setting from different angles.

The structure displays a rare architectural layout where the central nave remains fully separated from the side aisles, each with its own roof. This unusual design makes it a distinctive example of Georgian building practices that differs markedly from similar churches in the region.