The Bagrati Cathedral, a magnificent Orthodox church and one of the most iconic symbols of Kutaisi, holds the esteemed status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For nearly 300 years, the cathedral stood in a semi-ruined state, bearing the scars of invasions and time. Yet in 2012, after extensive restoration and reconstruction, it was reborn — regaining its grandeur atop the highest point in the city. From its hilltop perch, the cathedral offers sweeping panoramic views of Kutaisi and the surrounding landscapes.
Though the original structure has not survived in its entirety due to repeated assaults by Ottoman forces, the restored edifice continues to reflect the elegance of its historical design. Constructed at the turn of the 10th century and completed in the year 1003, Bagrati Cathedral marked the beginning of Georgia’s Golden Age — an era of flourishing culture, power, and architectural innovation. Built according to the new architectural canons of the South Caucasus, the cathedral was once richly adorned with carved ornamentation and dazzling mosaics. To this day, fragments of its ancient stained glass, frescoes, and mural paintings have endured and are visible to visitors.
The cathedral was named in honor of King Bagrat III, the first ruler of a unified Georgia. In 1089, King David the Builder — one of Georgia’s most revered monarchs — was crowned within its sacred walls. For centuries, the cathedral remained intact. However, in 1691, the Ottomans inflicted significant damage, causing the collapse of its roof and central dome. In 1770, Russian forces took control of Kutaisi, and the cathedral suffered further destruction during the conflict. From then until the mid-20th century, Bagrati remained in ruins, a solemn relic of Georgia’s spiritual and architectural legacy.
Restoration efforts began modestly in 1952, gradually breathing life back into the ancient stone. In 1974, the cathedral earned its place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, cementing its importance on the global stage. Regular church services resumed in 2001, marking a spiritual revival. By 2010, full-scale reconstruction efforts were underway, though they were not without controversy. Both UNESCO and the Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church voiced opposition to the renovations, fearing the loss of historical authenticity. Nonetheless, in 2012, the restoration culminated with the installation of a striking 2-meter-high bronze cross, weighing 300 kilograms, atop the cathedral’s dome.
The architecture of Bagrati Cathedral leaves a powerful impression. Massive stone blocks and imposing porticoes distinguish it from other Georgian churches of the period. Though fortified walls encircle the cathedral, they are believed to have once been part of the city’s defenses rather than the original ecclesiastical design. To the east lie the remnants of an ancient fortress, where a small chapel still stands and the distant silhouette of Gelati Monastery can be discerned — another treasured monument in Georgian spiritual history.