Description of the attraction
Bagrat Temple, located in the city of Kutaisi on the top of the Ukimerioni hill, is the greatest monument of architecture and culture of Georgia. The temple was erected in the X-XI century. during the reign of the first king of united Georgia, Bagrat III, in whose honor it bears its name. Until recently, only ruins remained from the cathedral, but now it has been restored.
The construction of this magnificent temple began at the end of the 10th century. and ended in 1003, after which the cathedral was solemnly consecrated in honor of the Assumption of the Virgin. Previously, the Bagrat temple was a huge palace and temple complex. It was here that all the most important events of those times were celebrated. In addition to its spiritual purpose, the temple was a symbol of a united Georgia, which has its own explanation: in the XI century. in the cathedral, the coronation of David the Builder was held - the king who united all of Georgia into one state.
Bagrat Temple until the 17th century kept intact. It was decorated with rich carvings and mosaics. In the XVII century. The roof of the cathedral was badly damaged - it was almost completely demolished.
Bagrat Temple belongs to the best examples of Caucasian medieval architecture. Its main features are sophistication, harmony of proportions and elegant decor. The building of the temple is square. The central entrance to the monastery is decorated with an arched portico. The capitals were covered with stucco decorations, and the walls and floors were decorated with mosaics, some fragments of which can be seen today. Fragments of the fresco of the Most Holy Theotokos in the southern lobby are also clearly visible. Inside, the temple is no different from an ordinary church - an altar, icons and candlesticks. As for the ornament and bas-reliefs of the temple, they are very similar to the filigree work of jewelers of ancient times.
In 1994, in the city of Kutaisi, a fund for the revival of the Bagrat Cathedral was founded. In the same year, the temple was included in the list of historical and cultural monuments of the World Heritage by UNESCO. Now the temple is almost completely restored. On August 17, 2012, a 2-meter bronze cross weighing 300 kg was installed on the dome of the church.
