Manglisi Sioni Cathedral

Manglisi Sioni Cathedral, also known simply as Manglisi Cathedral (Georgian: მანგლისის სიონი), is a revered Georgian Orthodox site officially recognized in 2006 as an Immovable Cultural Monument of National Significance. Situated in the picturesque Kvemo Kartli Region of southeastern Georgia, this ancient cathedral is steeped in spiritual, historical, and cultural importance.

The cathedral is believed to house sacred relics of immense significance, including a fragment of the True Cross—the very cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified. Additionally, it holds a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary and the remains of Theodore Kvelteli, a 16th-century Georgian priest and national hero. According to legend, Kvelteli saved the kingdom from Ottoman invasion through a clever and courageous act of deception, securing his place in Georgian history and Orthodox Christian reverence.

Manglisi Sioni is regarded as one of the oldest churches in the country. Historical accounts recount that Emperor Constantine sent Bishop John to the Georgian King Mirian of Iberia (the ancient name for the region now known as Georgia). Bishop John brought with him sacred Christian relics, including the piece of the True Cross, which remains one of the cathedral’s holiest treasures. After Iberia officially adopted Christianity in the 4th century, Bishop John received royal permission to build a stone church in Manglisi. Although the current structure is not the original, it is widely believed that the existing cathedral was built in the 5th century under King Vakhtang Gorgasali, with additional architectural modifications made over the centuries.

What makes Manglisi Cathedral architecturally unique is its layered design, which differs notably from other Georgian churches. The base is a four-sided structure typical of regional religious buildings, while the upper portion features an octagonal enclosure crowned by a dome. This innovative blend of forms not only distinguishes the cathedral but also inspired architectural styles in future Georgian ecclesiastical construction.

Significant renovations were carried out during the reign of King Giorgi I (1014–1027). At that time, the original altar was relocated, a new dome was constructed, and a foyer and storage rooms were added. Defensive gates were built around the perimeter, and the church’s exterior was adorned with detailed stone carvings. During the 19th century, under Russian imperial rule, further alterations were made, including the placement of a cross above the main entrance and the construction of an arched gate inscribed in Russian. Unfortunately, only a handful of the once-vibrant 11th-century frescoes remain visible today.

For visitors seeking a deeper understanding of Georgia’s religious heritage and historical architecture, Manglisi Sioni Cathedral offers a serene and spiritually enriching experience. Nestled amidst scenic surroundings, it continues to serve as both a place of worship and a living monument to Georgia’s enduring Christian legacy.