Nikortsminda Celebrates 1000th Anniversary
Sunday marked the 1000th anniversary of the Nikortsminda Cathedral of St. Nicholas, one of the most important architectural monuments of medieval Georgia.
The Cathedral, which is on the Tentative List for status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the village bearing the same name in the mountainous region of Racha in western Georgia. According to the epigraphy on the western entrance, the Nikortsminda Cathedral was built during the reign of King Bagrat III in 1010-1014.
A set of special events were planned to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the cathedral in the Nikortsminda village and an evening gala concert was held in Ambrolauri, Racha’s administrative center, featuring well-known Georgian musicians, including famous opera star, Anita Rachvelishvili.
The concert is one of the events within the 'Check in Georgia' program, a governmental cultural project bringing together dozens of festivals and cultural events across Georgia under one umbrella.
The Nikortsminda Cathedral is interesting because of its plan: it is inscribed within a hexagonal whose sides, with the exception of the west one, are flanked by apses while from the outside, it is cruciform. The chapels were added later, but also in the 11th century.
The Cathedral is generously decorated with rich ornamental relief depicting the Transfiguration, Doomsday and other evangelic subjects, figures of Saints, and of real and fantastical beasts.
Nikortsminda’s lapidary decoration testifies to the fantastic skill of the craftsmen and artistic standards, which make this cathedral one of the most outstanding examples of Georgian architecture.
The interior is decorated with frescoes from the 16th and 17th centuries with numerous portraits of feudal rulers.
The 1000th anniversary celebratory mass in Nikortsminda Cathedral was attended, among others, by the Prime Minister of Georgia and Georgia’s venerable Catholicos Patriach, Ilia II, who conducted the festive service.
“We are all celebrating today, and it rejoices us that this historic day is attended by Georgia’s Prime Minister, as well. I salute you and wish you to accomplish those kind deeds that you’ve aimed to do, with the prayer of saint Nicoloz guiding you. God be with you and with the whole of Georgia!” the Patriarch said.
The PM also congratulated the nation on the occasion.
“I want to congratulate the whole country with the 1000th anniversary of this grand cathedral, which is indeed a source of pride for all of us. This (Cathedral) is a symbol of strength for Georgia and Georgians, and with its distinguished masonry, it’s also a symbol and example of our rich cultural heritage. I would like to congratulate Racha and the whole country and wish for strength, unification and a better tomorrow!” the PM said.
The Georgian Fund of Municipality Development, with State funding, is to start restoration works in Nikortsminda village as part of the agenda of tourism development and preserving cultural heritage. The works include the restoration of Nikortsminda Cathedral, implementation of touristic infrastructure in its immediate vicinity, and road rehabilitation.
Vazha Tavberidze