Atsquri church, Medieval cathedral in Atskuri, Georgia.
Atsquri church is a medieval cathedral in Atskuri situated along the Mtkvari River bank. The structure displays three protruding apses on its eastern side and sits at the base of a hillside.
The cathedral was originally built in the 10th century and underwent major reconstruction following a devastating earthquake in 1283. Archaeological investigations since 2016 have uncovered additional structures from the 10th century.
The cathedral held the venerated icon of the Virgin Hodegetria and served as an important episcopal center in medieval Georgian Christianity.
The building is undergoing active restoration, so certain sections may have limited access to visitors. Its location by the river and at the foot of the hill provides clear orientation landmarks when arriving.
The venerated icon of the Virgin Hodegetria, kept here for centuries, was said to have survived the 1283 earthquake beneath the collapsed dome. In the late 16th century it was moved to Gelati monastery, and in 1952 it entered the Georgian National Museum in Tbilisi. Ornamented stones from the church are still scattered around the village, reused in local buildings.
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