Bana cathedral

The cathedral structure features a tetraconch design with a polygonal ambulatory and reaches a maximum height of 37 meters above the ground level.

Between 881 and 923, Adarnase IV of Iberia directed the reconstruction of the seventh-century cathedral, which remained a royal cathedral until Ottoman control.

The cathedral served as a central religious establishment for the Bagrationi dynasty, hosting important ceremonies including the coronation of Bagrat IV in 1027.

The cathedral remains stand at coordinates 40°40'5.802" N, 42°16'11.969" E, requiring advance planning and local guidance for access to this remote location.

The structure transformed from a religious center to a military fortress during the Crimean War before sustaining major damage in the Russo-Turkish War.

Location: Erzurum Province

Founders: Adarnase II of Iberia

GPS coordinates: 40.66806,42.26996

Latest update: March 6, 2025 23:10