Bedia Cathedral, Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Bedia, Abkhazia.
Bedia Cathedral is a stone cathedral featuring a domed cruciform design with a bell tower on the northern section. The structure displays the architectural style typical of medieval Georgian churches.
King Bagrat III commissioned the cathedral in 999 to mark the creation of a united Georgian kingdom. This building became central to establishing authority in the newly formed Georgian state.
On the south wall, a fresco shows King Bagrat III holding a model of the church, beside members of the Dadiani family. The paintings belong to several layers, mainly the 13th–14th centuries, with some possibly older. Georgian inscriptions accompany the figures.
The cathedral stands in the village of Bedia, about 25 km from Ochamchira. As of autumn 2022 it is unrestored and serves as an excursion site, so check access conditions before travelling. The ruined palace and bell tower lie just west and north of the church.
The south wall fresco shows Bagrat III holding a model of the church, beside members of the Dadiani family. Archbishop Anton Zhuanisdze made the monastery a scriptorium where old manuscripts were restored and theological books translated.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,156 contributors worldwide.