Alaverdi Cathedral

About

Alaverdi Monastery, near the village of Alaverdi, has origins tracing back to the 6th century. The present-day cathedral was constructed in the 11th century at a height of over 55 meters, once the tallest religious building in Georgia until the completion of the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi in 2004. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains, the monastery is regarded as one of the four Great Cathedrals of the Georgian Orthodox world and serves as a focal point for the annual religious celebration known as Alaverdoba. Situated in the heart of the world’s oldest wine region, the monks produce their own wine in the 10th century cellar on site. Impressive galleries on the second tier of the side naves, along with defensive walls, a chapel and a bath enhance the grandeur of the site, standing as a majestic testament to Georgia’s rich religious and architectural heritage.