Religion in Georgia: Cathedrals and Christian Shrines

Georgia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity. This occurred in the 4th century CE. Today, it is considered a country where freedom of religion is promoted. Although Christianity is the main religion in Georgia, you can see not only churches but also synagogues and mosques on the streets.

You'll find a particularly large number of historical churches, monuments, and religious buildings in Batumi, Kutaisi, and the old part of Tbilisi. The buildings are so beautiful and diverse that they are awe-inspiring just by looking at them!

For example, the Bagrati Cathedral. It was built in Kutaisi in the 10th-11th centuries and named after Bagrat III, the first ruler of a unified Georgia. The cathedral was recently restored, having previously stood in disrepair for almost 300 years.

Not far from Kutaisi is the Gelati Cathedral. It is a complex of buildings and holds enormous significance in the country's history and culture. The entire complex is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is built on a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

Very close to the Gelati Cathedral is the Motsameta Monastery. A small mountain and a canyon separate the two. The literal translation of the monastery's name is "place of martyrs." The story of its founding is linked to the brothers David and Constantine, who were killed for refusing to convert to Islam.

In 1923, the monastery was closed, and the brothers' relics were removed. However, it was later reopened, and the relics were returned. Now, an annual festival is held there, attracting many tourists.