Kashveti Church, Georgian Orthodox church on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi, Georgia
Kashveti Church is a Georgian Orthodox church on Rustaveli Avenue, built 1904–1910 by architect Leopold Bilfeldt on the model of Samtavisi Cathedral. Its cross-dome stone facade faces the Parliament building. Inside, frescoes painted in 1947 by Lado Gudiashvili cover the walls; the Christ figure is said to carry the features of sculptor B. Avalishvili.
The present church was built between 1904 and 1910 to a design by Tiflis architect Leopold Bilfeldt, who modelled it on the medieval Samtavisi Cathedral. It replaced a brick church commissioned by the Amilakhvari family in 1753, which had fallen into disrepair. The building was damaged during the fighting between Gamsakhurdia's National Guard and opposition forces in December 1991 – January 1992.
The interior frescoes depict religious scenes and were painted in 1947 by Georgian artist Lado Gudiashvili. His work shapes the appearance of the prayer space today and shows how faith and artistic creation connect.
The church sits directly across from the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue, making it easy to locate. Visitors can explore separate worship areas on both levels of the structure when exploring the sacred spaces inside.
The name Kashveti derives from the Georgian words kva (stone) and shva (to give birth). According to the legend, in the 6th century a woman accused David of Gareji of fathering her child; he foretold she would give birth to a stone, and when she did, the place took the name. General Grigol Orbeliani is buried inside the church, and the couple Sarajishvili were reburied beside it.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,164 contributors worldwide.