St. George Church in Ateni: 11th Century Temple in Shida Kartli

The Church of St. George is located in the village of Didi Ateni. It was built from cobblestones between 1060 and 1072.

On the front of the western façade, you can see a seven-line stone inlay with a very interesting and unusual inscription. This inlay contains information about the stages of construction of this building.

On the south side, you can see an arched entrance. The interior is decorated in beautiful colors and an unusual style. On both sides of the walls, you will see apses with windows, a rectangular recess, and the same gilded border. The hall is covered by a huge and very beautiful barrel vault.

A very beautiful and gradual transition is also created by the triumphal arch, which rests on a snow-white capital. The exterior of the building was covered with plaster.

A cornice with an unusual curve has been preserved on the western corner, and on the southern side, there are parts of another, very ancient cornice, built several centuries ago.

Unfortunately, the church was damaged, but it was successfully reconstructed.