ALAVERDI

Alaverdi church is situated in Kakheti region of Georgia. It was built in the 11th century by king of Kakheti Kvirike Didi (the Great) on the place of old basilic, which was built there in the 6th century by St.Joseph and is named in honour of St.George. Before accepting Christianity in Georgia there was a building where pagans from Kakheti used to pray to the Moon. Alaverdi is the highest and one of the biggest churches in Georgia. Its height is over 75 meters. During centuries Alaverdi has damaged for several times: in the 12th century by earthquake, in the 13-14th century by Mongols, in the 17th century by Persians. Alaverdi has tremendous interior space. There are frescoes of the 11th, 15th and 17th centuries. Georgian kings Tamar, Alexander II, George VI, Levan II, HeracliusII were developing and restoring Alaverdi.