Tkhaba-Yerdy Church, Christian church in Targim, Russia
Tkhaba-Yerdy Church is a stone basilica in Targim with a rectangular interior divided by three pairs of stone pillars. The structure displays considerable craftsmanship in its construction and architectural detailing throughout.
The church was built in the 8th century on the site of an earlier pagan shrine, marking a shift in local religious practices. The building underwent repairs and changes between the 12th and 16th centuries as needs and conditions changed.
The basilica displays a blend of Georgian, Byzantine, and Armenian architectural styles, visible in the detailed carvings and relief patterns carved into the exterior stone walls. Walking around the building, visitors notice how these different traditions come together in the ornamental details.
The church is located within the Erzi Nature Reserve, which is open to visitors throughout the year. It helps to check access conditions before visiting, particularly if traveling from a distance.
Excavations in 2008 uncovered carved stone slabs and remains of the original church walls hidden beneath the current structure. These findings reveal that the site has a longer history than the visible building alone suggests.
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