Katskhi Cathedral

Situated near the Katskhi Pillar, approximately one and a half kilometers away in the village of Katskhi, stands a unique temple known as the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ.

An ancient legend tells of a chain that once stretched from the cathedral to the summit of the pillar. Another tale links this chain to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the ancient capital of Mtskheta, connecting it to the Cross Monastery described by Lermontov in his poem Mtsyri. Whether this analogy is mere coincidence remains a mystery.

The Cathedral of the Nativity in Katskhi was not constructed by church officials or the state; rather, its funding came from the local princes of the Bagvashi family. Its architecture is unparalleled in Georgia, characterized by an octagonal structure that sets it apart from other religious buildings. Some temples that bear a resemblance to this cathedral include:

• The Church of St. George in Bochormi, located in the Tianeti region.
• The ancient Kvetera church, known for its tetraconch design.
• Possibly, the now-ruined Ninozminda church, which may have shared similar architectural features.

Built during the era of the Georgian Enlightenment, the cathedral dates back to the 10th century. Its uniqueness is further emphasized by the presence of peculiar carved sculptures that are atypical of Georgian architecture.

The Katskhi Cathedral attracts tourists who are fascinated by medieval ecclesiastical architecture.