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Geotour

Photos: ალ-ო (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Wikimedia Commons

Nikortsminda Cathedral

Imereti & Racha · Religion

Getting there
About 15 km south of Ambrolauri on paved roads
Best time
May–October
Recommended stay
About 1 hour

About Nikortsminda Cathedral

Nikortsminda Cathedral of St Nicholas stands on a small hill in the village of Nikortsminda in Racha, about 15–16 km south of Ambrolauri on the road from Tkibuli and Shaori. Built in 1010–1014 under King Bagrat III, it is one of the finest examples of Georgian stone carving: the facades and drum are covered with reliefs of the Transfiguration, the Last Judgement, the Exaltation of the Cross, saints, animals and fantastic beasts. Inside, 17th-century wall paintings in bright reds and yellows fill the walls and dome.

Tours Including Nikortsminda Cathedral

See the tour

Must-See Attractions

  • Carved facades

    Narrative reliefs of the Transfiguration, the Last Judgement and the Exaltation of the Cross, framed by arcading, with animals and mythical creatures around the windows.

  • Dome and drum

    Twelve windows with ornamented surrounds light the interior.

  • Interior frescoes

    17th-century paintings in reds, yellows and blues covering the walls and dome.

  • Bell tower

    A three-storey stone bell tower from the late 19th century in the churchyard.

Nearby

  • Shaori Reservoir

    Mountain lake on the road from Tkibuli, about 15 km (20 min).

  • Ambrolauri

    Racha's main town with wine cellars and the Racha Museum, about 15 km (25 min).

  • Khvanchkara

    Home village of Khvanchkara semi-sweet red wine, about 25 km (35 min).

Location42.4594° N, 43.0878° EView on map

Good to know

Getting there

About 15 km south of Ambrolauri on paved roads; from Tbilisi about 4–4.5 h via Kutaisi or Tkibuli.

Best time

May–October

Best time

Late spring to autumn gives open mountain roads and good light on the carved stone, with vineyards harvested around Ambrolauri in September–October; in winter the pass road from Tkibuli can be snowy.

Recommended stay

About 1 hour

Fees

Free; it is an active church, and donations are welcome.

Dress code

Shoulders and knees covered; women cover their hair.

Photography

Bring a zoom or binoculars for the high reliefs on the drum.

Time needed

About an hour, including a walk around the outside.

History & culture

History

The cathedral was built between 1010 and 1014, in the reign of Bagrat III, the first king of a united Georgia, and dedicated to St Nicholas. After a period of decline it was restored in 1534 under King Bagrat III of Imereti, and the interior was painted in the 17th century. The three-storey bell tower beside it was added in the late 19th century. The cathedral is on UNESCO's Tentative List for World Heritage status.

Local Cuisine

Racha is known for Rachuli lobiani, bean-filled bread made with smoked Racha ham, and for Khvanchkara, a naturally semi-sweet red wine from Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes grown around Ambrolauri. Guesthouses serve both.