Tsalenjikha Cathedral

Tsalenjikha Cathedral is an Orthodox church building in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region featuring a central cross-domed design. The structure includes three arcaded galleries surrounding the main space and a two-story bell tower positioned at the northwestern corner.

Construction of this cathedral commenced in 1301 as a major religious building for the region. By the late medieval period it evolved into a residence and power center for the Dadiani ruling family.

This cathedral served as both a spiritual and administrative center for the ruling family who resided within it during the medieval period. It remained a vital gathering place where locals participated in religious ceremonies and witnessed important civic decisions.

The cathedral is located in a rural area and can be reached by local transport, though interior access may be limited. The building contains a 40-meter tunnel running westward from the main structure, which is part of the older fortification system.

A Byzantine artist named Cyrus Emanuel Eugenicus painted elaborate frescoes on the interior walls during the late 14th century. These murals display complex iconographic scenes but currently require significant restoration to prevent further deterioration.