Kumurdo Cathedral

Kumurdo Cathedral is a stone church in Akhalkalaki Municipality on the Javakheti Plateau with four square arms and apses on the eastern, southern, and northern sides. The structure currently lacks its original dome, and its walls display stonework from its medieval period.

The cathedral was built in 964 during the reign of King Leon III of the Abkhazians and bears inscriptions in ancient Georgian Asomtavruli script on its walls. This monument reflects the Christian building expansion that took place across the Caucasus region during that era.

The eastern facade displays detailed carvings of biblical scenes, and visitors can see a sculpted portrait of Queen Gurandukht carved into the interior walls.

The cathedral sits around 12 kilometers southwest of Akhalkalaki on the Javakheti Plateau in an open, elevated area with little shelter from the weather. Visitors should prepare for the elements and wear good footwear, as the terrain is quite rural with no special facilities nearby.

Next to the main church stands a small chapel that houses an ornate stone stele from the 5th or 6th century. This carved stone marker is several centuries older than the cathedral itself and hints at earlier sacred activity at this site.