Nikortsminda Cathedral

Nikortsminda was built between 1010 and 1014 in the mountains of Racha, and it carries what is generally considered some of the finest medieval stone carving in Georgia: the facades, the drum and the window surrounds are worked in deep relief with crosses, medallions, saints, animals and interlace, cut in a pale stone that holds shadow well. Inside, a full cycle of wall painting of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries covers the walls and dome, unusually complete for a rural church. A bell tower of the nineteenth century stands beside it. It sits in a small village in green hill country, well off the main routes, which keeps visitor numbers low.

The main sights

• Deep relief carving on the facades - crosses, saints and interlace in stone.
• The carved drum and windows - ornament worked all round the dome.
• A complete painted interior - frescoes of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
• The hill village setting - Racha country around the church.

When to go

May to October; roads in Racha are difficult in winter. One to two hours. Modest dress is required. Ask in the village if the church is locked.

What to expect

It is remote and reaching it takes real driving. The church may be locked outside service times and finding the keyholder takes patience. Interior light is poor for seeing the frescoes. There are almost no facilities in the village.

Nearby

Ambrolauri is east; Oni lies further up the valley.

Key facts