A magnificent dome of the Samtavisi Cathedral rises prominently along the Tbilisi-Batumi highway, just 30 kilometers from the renowned city of Gori. If you take a brief detour and drive less than a kilometer, you will arrive at this remarkable architectural gem, celebrated as a quintessential example of medieval Georgian design. The cathedral also served as an inspiration for the Kashveti Church in Tbilisi. Although often referred to as a monastery, the site encompasses not just the cathedral itself, but also several smaller structures and a cemetery.
The history of Samtavisi dates back to the 5th century when the first church was built on this site. Fragments of this original structure now lie beneath the cathedral’s floor, which was initially designed in the shape of a basilica. By the mid-6th century, the Assyrian Fathers—monks dedicated to spreading Christianity throughout Georgia—began to establish monasteries, with notable examples including Nerkresi, Ikalto, and David Garedji. Among them was the monk Isidor Samtavisi, who founded both the eparchy and the monastery that still bear his name today.
In the years 1025 to 1030, the present cathedral was constructed on the site of the earlier basilica. The church has undergone several reconstructions over the centuries. In the early 16th century, the dome was damaged and required a complete rebuild. Following this, the northern, southern, and western walls of the Samtavisi Cathedral were renovated, leaving the intricate patterns on the eastern wall as a testament to the craftsmanship of the builders from centuries past.
Architecturally, Samtavisi is designed as a cross-domed church, surrounded by the foundations of other churches and residential buildings that hint at its rich history. The only remaining structures from the 18th century are a bell tower and the protective fence surrounding the church. Inside, the cathedral features a modest interior adorned with captivating 17th-century frescoes, as well as several icons and gravestones embedded in the floor, all of which draw the interest of visitors.
Samtavisi Cathedral is a fascinating destination in the vicinity of Gori, and if you find yourself in the area, we highly recommend extending your excursion to include two additional castles of Georgian princes: the castles of Amilakhvari and Skhvil, both located nearby.
Visiting the cathedral is free of charge. To reach the village, you can take a minibus from the Gori bus station and kindly ask the driver to stop at the police post before the turnoff to Samtavisi village.
