Tbeti - Tao-Klarjeti

Tbeti / Tao-Klarjeti
Originally uploaded by Paata

Tbeti is a cross-dome church, ornamented by lapidary and iconic inscriptions. It was a cultural and religious center of the Middle Age Georgia, in Shavsheti. The cathedral church was built in early 10th century, and the first Bishop was appointed. In 11th century, Saba Mtbevari (Bishop of Tbeti) built the castle and protected the area against the aggression of Byzantium. From this point on, the king gave the Bishop of Tbeti a secular authority and the status of the Duke of Dukes of Shavsheti.
Here, during centuries, several significant hagiographical and hymnographic works.