Alaverdi St. George Cathedral
Alaverdi St. George Cathedral
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
195 reviews
Excellent
125
Very good
58
Average
10
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2
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0
Janoshka
Tbilisi, Georgia255 contributions
Nov 2022
Renovation of this run-down, huge cathedral is still going on on the outside. The outside looks impressive but inside a serious, longstanding damage is still there. One can see only few damaged fresco's and damaged walls. Not really worthwhile to go inside.
Written November 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elena M
Kyiv, Ukraine38 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
Very ancient and beautiful frescoes. I love Georgian style churches - very simple, severe architecture of early Christian temples. Surroundings are absolutely wonderful! Highly recommended to visit.
Written May 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cora_v
Kyiv26,146 contributions
Jan 2012 • Friends
If I were to ever choose only one monastery complex to return to in Georgia, my choice, without much hesitation, would have been St.George Cathedral in Alaverdi.
There are so many reasons to visit this incredible monastery!
It enjoys amazingly scenic location by the Debed River in the picturesque Alazani valley, with its vineyards and majestic Caucasus Mountains. Situated in about 18-20km from the Telavi and impossible to miss, being one of the major landmarks. Prior to entering the monastery, I must have taken dozens of photos of the surrounding area, no less captivating.
Originally, it dates back to VI century, when reverend Joseph Alaverdeli, one of the Syrian Fathers, established a small church here. Soon a fraternity had gathered around him, and with time, Joseph was buried in this church. In the beginning of XI century, St.George Cathedral had been built over the early church of VI. It was soon recognised as Episcopalian Cathedral.
From its very establishment and up till now, Alaverdi has been a fratry (male monastery). But during a certain period in XVII-XVIII it was turned into a nunnery and was known as a shelter for royal persons. Being the Eparchy centre, also the burial place of the Kakheti Kings, it had soon turned into one of the most respected religious sites and an important pilgrimage destination.
Several times in its history Alaverdi Cathedral had undergone reconstructions, including after various earthquakes and devastations it withstood – say, ruined by Persian Shakh Abbas I in XVII.
Presently, the monastery complex consists of St.George Cathedral, Bell Tower and various monastery premises – refectory, wine cellar, baths and other. It is surrounded by impressively massive fortified walls with few gates and simple towers. This January, there was yet another reconstruction on its territory, and visitors were mainly restricted to entering the Cathedral only.
Photography is only allowed outside St.George Cathedral. Such a shame, because its interior, although rather strict and moderate in decoration, is still breathtaking, with certain grandeur. But don’t rush to get inside, so that you won’t miss the frescoes by its doors, half-ruined. The one of St.George above the entrance is in a very good condition though.
Until the erection of Holy Trinity (Sameba) Cathedral in Tbilisi, St.George of about 50m high was the tallest Cathedral in Georgia.
Since this is an acting fratry, strict dress-code must be observed by all visitors. No shorts or tops are allowed; no trousers for ladies, otherwise they must put on a skirt, available for free at the entrance to the monastery. Entrance is free of charge.
There are so many reasons to visit this incredible monastery!
It enjoys amazingly scenic location by the Debed River in the picturesque Alazani valley, with its vineyards and majestic Caucasus Mountains. Situated in about 18-20km from the Telavi and impossible to miss, being one of the major landmarks. Prior to entering the monastery, I must have taken dozens of photos of the surrounding area, no less captivating.
Originally, it dates back to VI century, when reverend Joseph Alaverdeli, one of the Syrian Fathers, established a small church here. Soon a fraternity had gathered around him, and with time, Joseph was buried in this church. In the beginning of XI century, St.George Cathedral had been built over the early church of VI. It was soon recognised as Episcopalian Cathedral.
From its very establishment and up till now, Alaverdi has been a fratry (male monastery). But during a certain period in XVII-XVIII it was turned into a nunnery and was known as a shelter for royal persons. Being the Eparchy centre, also the burial place of the Kakheti Kings, it had soon turned into one of the most respected religious sites and an important pilgrimage destination.
Several times in its history Alaverdi Cathedral had undergone reconstructions, including after various earthquakes and devastations it withstood – say, ruined by Persian Shakh Abbas I in XVII.
Presently, the monastery complex consists of St.George Cathedral, Bell Tower and various monastery premises – refectory, wine cellar, baths and other. It is surrounded by impressively massive fortified walls with few gates and simple towers. This January, there was yet another reconstruction on its territory, and visitors were mainly restricted to entering the Cathedral only.
Photography is only allowed outside St.George Cathedral. Such a shame, because its interior, although rather strict and moderate in decoration, is still breathtaking, with certain grandeur. But don’t rush to get inside, so that you won’t miss the frescoes by its doors, half-ruined. The one of St.George above the entrance is in a very good condition though.
Until the erection of Holy Trinity (Sameba) Cathedral in Tbilisi, St.George of about 50m high was the tallest Cathedral in Georgia.
Since this is an acting fratry, strict dress-code must be observed by all visitors. No shorts or tops are allowed; no trousers for ladies, otherwise they must put on a skirt, available for free at the entrance to the monastery. Entrance is free of charge.
Written January 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
archil a
Tbilisi, Georgia685 contributions
May 2017 • Family
Alaverdi St. His founder - St. Joseph Alaverdi, one of the Assyrian fathers, is buried in the Cathedral of George.
It is still believed that the saint's remains were buried on the northern side of the temple, but this tomb was symbolic. It is supposed that in the XV century (during the first restoration of the cathedral) the remains of the saints were specially moved to avoid insulting him during the invasion and disorder.
Alaverdi is celebrated every year in the "Alaverdoba", which is accompanied by a public holiday which begins on September 14 and lasts for 3 weeks. This celebration has a centuries-old tradition.
Once in the Alaverdi Cathedral, the Georgian nun was asking God to defeat the Turks. He came up with Turkish military commander. The angry commander raised a sword on the top of a dungeon and said, "Let's see how your God will save you." To say these words, the commander-in-chief was fired and asked for help from frightened mourners. The nuns prayed and the Turks were still moving away. The commander and his subordinates were converted. At the meeting with a table, one Georgian has been given to him and he says in Turkish: "Alla Verdi!" (God has given us).
It is still believed that the saint's remains were buried on the northern side of the temple, but this tomb was symbolic. It is supposed that in the XV century (during the first restoration of the cathedral) the remains of the saints were specially moved to avoid insulting him during the invasion and disorder.
Alaverdi is celebrated every year in the "Alaverdoba", which is accompanied by a public holiday which begins on September 14 and lasts for 3 weeks. This celebration has a centuries-old tradition.
Once in the Alaverdi Cathedral, the Georgian nun was asking God to defeat the Turks. He came up with Turkish military commander. The angry commander raised a sword on the top of a dungeon and said, "Let's see how your God will save you." To say these words, the commander-in-chief was fired and asked for help from frightened mourners. The nuns prayed and the Turks were still moving away. The commander and his subordinates were converted. At the meeting with a table, one Georgian has been given to him and he says in Turkish: "Alla Verdi!" (God has given us).
Written May 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arkton007
Paris, France27 contributions
Nov 2016
Very spectacular. You'll come out from there with remarkable memories and atmosphere.
Worth seeing and going.
Worth seeing and going.
Written May 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristiina K
Tallinn, Estonia28 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
A monastery with amazing scenery. Also a centre of local winemaking and fruit gardens. The cathedral used to be highest in Georgia. Nice place to enjoy masoni - local yogurt in a cafeteria across the monastery complex.
Written August 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beverly G
Fresno, CA54 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
The building is an imposing sight as you approach. We waited outside for a few minutes while the monks finished a ceremony, which was fine because it gave us a chance to study the beautiful frescoes outside. When we went in, the effect was magical. The monks were still chanting out of sight as the sun streamed in the slit windows in the central tower.
I particularly want to acknowledge our English-speaking guide, Simon, who made our day of touring so meaningful. He can be reached at +(995) 557 07 00 99 Kakheti Simon Tours. He also speaks Russian.
I particularly want to acknowledge our English-speaking guide, Simon, who made our day of touring so meaningful. He can be reached at +(995) 557 07 00 99 Kakheti Simon Tours. He also speaks Russian.
Written August 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HappyChris008
Chorzow, Poland1,547 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
It is one of the most important religious places in Georgia and a short visit is definately recommended. The monastery has been reconstructed already, some renovation works inside are still going on, but the location of the cathedral - among fields and wineyards with view of Caucasus behind is just awasome!!!!
Written June 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
may_in_rome
Genzano di Roma, Italy164 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
We enjoyed a tour of the grounds, the cathedral and wine cellar. It was truly fascinating to learn how these monks have maintained a wine making tradition since 1011. The wines spoke for themselves. Clean, pure and full of life. I highly suggest a visit here with a good guide like Georrge Dushenko.
Written April 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vika_h1219
Kharkiv, Ukraine1,109 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
The cathedral is situated in a picturesque location in the Alazan valley surrounded by the Caucasus Mountains. With a nearby creek flow and the mountains for a backdrop, the photos of the cathedral are wonderful.
On the day of our visit to the cathedral there was a religious holiday. With so many local worshippers attending church, it was difficult to consider anything. Like many churches in Georgia, this cathedral is rich in history. There is an icon of St. George, the saint especially revered in Georgia. Icons with his image are in all Georgian churches.
On the day of our visit to the cathedral there was a religious holiday. With so many local worshippers attending church, it was difficult to consider anything. Like many churches in Georgia, this cathedral is rich in history. There is an icon of St. George, the saint especially revered in Georgia. Icons with his image are in all Georgian churches.
Written November 4, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Welke feestdaag wordt gevierd op 28 september?
Written December 5, 2018
Hi, Can someone tell me if the cathedral is open on Mondays?
I just found out, that in Georgia public places are closed on Mondays.
Written March 1, 2018
Sorry, I can’t say. It’s rather more like a functioning religious place that is open to tourists rather than a public place, so it might actually be open. If you are staying in Tbilisi, you would most probably only go to visit it if you were going on a tour of other sites in the area, so your guide would know whether to stop there or not.
Written March 6, 2018
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