Bagrati Cathedral

The Bagrati Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Dormition, is a significant historical and architectural landmark located in Kutaisi. Constructed in the early 11th century, during the reign of King Bagrat III, it is a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated on Ukimerioni Hill and you can get panoramic views of Kutaisi from the top.

Built over a thousand years ago, the Bagrati Cathedral stands as a testament to Georgian architecture. Originally constructed in the 9th century, the building’s structure drew inspiration from the church of St. John the Baptist. It is topped with a grand dome crowned by a cross, the exterior walls feature stone carvings, while the interior floor is adorned with mosaic tiles. The building has a large interior space where church services are conducted.

Based on the inscription near the north window of the building, The cathedral was built in 1003  to commemorate the unification of Georgia by King Bagrat III. In 1994, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Later Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili decided to restore the structure to its original, majestic, and monumental form. During the restoration, a few modern elements were added to the cathedral as well which resulted in its removal from UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017.