Churches & Fortreses

Georgia has magnificent history of church building dating back to the fifth century AD. These cupola domed structures are found everywhere throughout the territory of the country.

In Georgia there are about 12 000 historical monuments. Using the examples of these monuments, one can observe the whole evolutionary way of origin and development of cupola architecture, striking by its grandeur and monumentality. It has been influenced by many civilizations during the long history of the country. There are several different architectural styles for castles, towers, fortifications and churches.

Georgian ecclesiastic art is one of the most fascinating aspects of Georgian Christian architecture, which combines classical dome style with original basilica style forming what is known as Georgian cross-dome style. Cross-dome style of architecture developed in Georgia during the 9th century and before that, most of the Georgian churches were basilicas.

Georgian architecture reached its peak of development in 11-12th centuries. Three greatest cathedrals from 11th century Svetitskhoveli, Bagrati and Alaverdi are certainly the sites that every tourist visiting Georgia must see.

Until the middle of 15th century Georgia played a major role as the connecting bridge between Europe and Asia. It is situated on the historically famous “Silk Road”, there are many fortresses that once played an important role not only in the history of the country but also in the development of the region.