Nestled in the picturesque village of Kvemo Bolnisi, just 70 kilometers southeast of Tbilisi, lies the ancient basilica of Bolnisi Sioni. Dating back to the years 478-493 AD, during the reign of the legendary King Vakhtang Gorgasali, this remarkable structure is the oldest surviving architectural monument in Georgia. This era marks a significant chapter in the history of the Georgian people, as it witnessed the formation of statehood, the emergence of a unique national culture, and the recognition of the Georgian Church’s independence from the Byzantine Empire and its capital, Constantinople.
The significance of Bolnisi Sioni and its cultural impact on Georgia cannot be overstated. Not only is the building the oldest in the country, but its facade also features inscriptions that represent some of the earliest examples of Georgian writing. The cross depicted on the eastern facade of the church, later known as the Bolnisi Cross, has become one of the symbols of the state and is proudly displayed on the modern flag of Georgia.
The term “Sioni” translates to “sunny,” and Georgia is home to many churches bearing this name, all of which are dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Notably, Bolnisi Sioni stands out as the largest three-nave basilica in the country.
The architecture of Bolnisi Sioni deviates from traditional Georgian ecclesiastical designs, notably lacking the tent-like dome commonly found in later constructions. Inside the basilica, two rows of columns are connected by arches, with intricately carved geometric patterns adorning the capitals. Nearby, a bell tower complements the structure.
The church’s exterior is simple and unadorned, with walls clad in smooth, turquoise tuff slabs. However, behind this façade lies a richly decorated interior that embodies a profound philosophy: the superiority of hidden beauty over ostentation. The straightforward forms and natural proportions of the interior evoke a sense of strength and grandeur, with the rectangular structure of the basilica reminiscent of an ark of salvation.
In the 7th century, a small chapel was added to the east of the basilica, beneath which lies a crypt. The basilica is surrounded by a protective enclosure. Throughout its history, Bolnisi Sioni has undergone numerous restorations and renovations. Notably, in the mid-17th century, restoration efforts were initiated by Queen Mariam, the wife of King Rostom of Kartli. The monument also saw restoration in the last century, and today, Bolnisi Sioni continues to function as an active place of worship.
The walls of the basilica hold thousands of prayers, and the church continues to serve the community to this day.