Skhalta Cathedral, Medieval cathedral in Khulo Municipality, Georgia
Skhalta Cathedral is a medieval stone structure located on a hill in the Qinchauri river valley within Khulo Municipality. The building features a seven-sided apse, two main entrances, and is supported inside by arches that create a cylindrical vault.
This structure was built in 1201 and remained in use until the Ottoman conquest of the region in the 16th century forced its abandonment. It lay forgotten until local people rediscovered it in 1874.
The interior walls hold frescoes from the 14th century depicting scenes from the New Testament in the Georgian artistic tradition. These paintings shape the experience of walking through the building and reflect the religious beliefs of the medieval community that built it.
The hillside location offers views across the valley and toward the mountain passages that link Adjara with neighboring regions. The setting makes a visit here feel like a journey through high terrain with expansive surroundings.
This structure is the only surviving medieval cathedral in the Adjara region and preserves the largest collection of wall paintings from that era. This makes it a rare window into the artistic life of this mountain region during the Middle Ages.
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