Ninotsminda Cathedral

Ninotsminda Cathedral lies in the town of the same name, in the Sagarejo municipality in the Kakheti region in Georgia.

The Ninotsminda Cathedral itself was founded in the 5th century by Vakhtang I of Iberia. Its architecture is unique as it was a model for the development of the later tetraconch (four-apse) churches. In the 10th and 11th century the cathedral was restored.

The large square, brick bell tower dates back to the mid-16th century. The crenelated curtain wall, with its round corner towers and gate, was built to protect the complex from the frequent raids of Muslim Dagestani mountain tribes which frequently started to occur in the 16th and 17th century and lasted until the 19th century.

The cathedral was restored in 1671 and 1774. In 1824 the dome of the cathedral collapsed due to an earthquake. Another earthquake in 1848 further destroyed the ruined cathedral. It was never reconstructed.

At present Ninotsminda Cathedral can be visiting during opening hours for a small fee. It is now used as a nunnery. A truly fortified cathedral, very nice.

Gallery