Urbnisi cathedral, Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Kareli Municipality, Georgia
Urbnisi cathedral is an Eastern Orthodox church built as a three-nave basilica in Kareli Municipality, Georgia. The structure relies on twelve load-bearing pillars for support, with separate rooms along the side aisles and a sanctuary situated one step above the main floor.
Construction of this cathedral began in the 6th century, with major rebuilding efforts taking place during the 10th and 17th centuries under different Georgian rulers. These reconstruction phases shaped the building we see today.
The cathedral walls display some of the oldest inscriptions in the Georgian alphabet, left behind by pilgrims, bishops, and other religious figures across many centuries. These carved messages show how people used this sacred space to mark their presence and faith.
Visitors should take note of the many pillars and rooms that structure the interior as they move through the building. The elevated sanctuary requires climbing a few steps, which is worth keeping in mind when exploring this space.
Archaeological digs near the cathedral uncovered a 3rd-century bathhouse, the remains of a medieval winery, and a protective circuit wall from an ancient settlement. These discoveries reveal that the site had long been an important location across multiple periods.
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