Kashveti Church

6th-century church rebuilt in 1910, opposite the parliament on Rustaveli

Kashveti Church stands on Rustaveli Avenue, directly opposite the Parliament building. The current building was constructed in 1910, though a church has stood on this site since the 6th century. The exterior is faced in pale stone with carved reliefs modelled on medieval Georgian church architecture; the interior is richly decorated with early 20th-century frescoes.

The church is small enough to feel intimate despite its prominent location, and it is an active place of worship — you can step inside during any non-service hour for a quiet moment. The location on Rustaveli means it is easily combined with a walk along the avenue.

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A story
The name Kashveti derives from the Georgian words for "stone" and "give birth" — according to legend, the 6th-century monk Davit of Gareja was falsely accused of fathering a child, and his accuser miraculously gave birth to a stone at this spot, proving his innocence. The present building dates from 1910 and was modelled closely on the medieval Samtavisi Cathedral in the Shida Kartli region.