Dranda Cathedral or the Church of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary is an architectural wonder of Abkhazia, located in the picturesque village of Dranda in the municipality of Gulripshi. Its majestic walls and magnificent architecture date back to the 6th-7th centuries, embodying a unique combination of Georgian and Byzantine artistic traditions.
This cross-domed temple, built of brick and river stone, amazes with its beauty and scale, reminiscent of the Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta. It was an episcopal center in the 10th-17th centuries, but over time it was rebuilt several times, losing part of its original splendor.
The fate of the church was tested by many trials: attacks by Ottoman troops, looting during the war and even closure by the Soviet authorities in 1924. Despite this, thanks to the efforts of monks and architects, the temple was restored and renovated several times, preserving its historical appearance.
Today, despite the occupation of Abkhazia, the Church of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Dranda remains a testament to Georgia's rich cultural heritage. The site attracts historians, pilgrims and curious travelers who want to delve into the ancient mysteries and beauty of Georgian architecture.






















