Tsilkani cathedral, Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Georgia.
Tsilkani cathedral is an Eastern Orthodox church in the rural area of Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Georgia, built in stone with a dome rising over the central space. The floor plan follows a cross shape with four arms meeting at the center, supported by interior pillars that divide the space.
The church began as a simple hall in the 4th century and was significantly rebuilt and enlarged in the 6th century. The dome over the central space was added in a later phase, giving the building the form it has today.
Tsilkani cathedral is still an active place of worship where services draw people from surrounding villages throughout the year. Inside, candlelight falls on old stone walls and carved details that give the space a quiet, devotional feel visitors can notice right away.
The cathedral sits in a rural setting, so having a private car or joining a shared taxi from Tbilisi is the most practical way to get there. As the church is in active use, visitors should cover their shoulders and knees before entering.
Beneath the church floor lie remains from the Bronze Age, including a burial mound that predates the current building by many centuries. A Christian chapel found underground contains carved Greek text, showing that this spot held religious meaning long before the cathedral was built.
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