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Ertatsminda Saint Estate Church: A Medieval Georgian Treasure

Discover the architectural beauty and spiritual serenity of Ertatsminda Saint Estate Church, a 13th-century Georgian Orthodox gem.

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Ertatsminda Saint Estate Church, located in the village of Ertatsminda, is a stunning example of 13th-century Georgian Orthodox architecture. This cross-domed church features elaborate stone carvings, a historic bell tower, and remnants of a defensive wall, offering visitors a glimpse into Georgia's rich cultural and religious heritage.

A brief summary to Ertatsminda Saint Estate Church

  • Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting the church to respect local customs.
  • Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Check the opening hours before your visit, as they may vary.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are in the village of Ertatsminda, the church is located approximately 1 kilometer from the village center. Head northeast along the main road, and you will see the church on your right. The walk should take about 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Tbilisi, take a train to Kaspi. From Kaspi, you can take a taxi to Ertatsminda. Train tickets from Tbilisi to Kaspi cost $4–9. Alternatively, take a minibus from Tbilisi Didube station to Gori for approximately $2. From Gori, you can take a taxi to Ertatsminda.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Tbilisi to Ertatsminda. The drive is approximately 56 km and takes about 48 minutes. Taxi fares from Tbilisi to Ertatsminda range from $15 to $18. Within Tbilisi, taxi fares have a base fare of 3.3 GEL and charge 1.2 GEL per kilometer.

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Discover more about Ertatsminda Saint Estate Church

Ertatsminda Saint Estate Church, also known as Ertatsminda Cathedral, is a significant religious and architectural monument in the Shida Kartli region of Georgia. Situated in the village of Ertatsminda, Kaspi Municipality, the church dates back to the first half of the 13th century, likely during the reign of Queen Rusudan. The name 'Ertatsminda' is derived from 'Estatetsminda,' meaning St. Eustace, the church's patron saint. The church's architecture showcases a cross-domed design, built with carefully hewn blocks of yellow sandstone. The dome rests upon the corners of the apse wall projections on the east side and on two piers to the west. The facades are adorned with richly ornamented double windows and crosses featuring stone-carved embellishments. The eastern facade includes two deep niches covered with conical vaults and decorated with trefoil scallops. A unique heart-shaped ornament runs along the cornice on the north and east facades, a pattern unparalleled in Georgian architecture. Inside, the church features partially preserved murals dating back to 1654, created by Meletios, a monk from the Georgian Monastery of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. These paintings depict scenes from the lives of St. Eustace and St. George. The church also holds a relic of historical significance: the head of Paata Saakadze, son of the politician Giorgi Saakadze, beheaded in 1625 by Shah Abbas II of Iran. The church served as a burial place for the Saakadze family until the late 19th century. The complex includes the church, a wall, a bell tower, and remains of monastic buildings. The defensive wall once had seven towers, but only two remain today. The bell tower has been rebuilt.

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