Ertatsminda

Geography and Location

The village of Ertatsminda is situated in the Kaspi Municipality, on the northern slopes of the Trialeti Range, within the scenic Tedsami River valley. Located at an elevation of 890 meters above sea level, the village is approximately 20 kilometers away from the town of Kaspi. The area is characterized by a pleasant climate and picturesque natural landscapes, making it a destination for both tourists and history enthusiasts.

Historical Overview

The name of the village is derived from "Estate Tsminda" (St. Eustathius), which evolved into "Ertatsminda" over time. The village first appears in historical records in the 16th century. In 1588, King Simon I of Kartli granted Ertatsminda to Siaush Saakadze. Later, in the 17th century, the village and its cathedral came under the ownership of the Great Mouravi, Giorgi Saakadze, and became the ancestral burial site for his family. According to local tradition, the severed head of Paata Saakadze, Giorgi's son, is buried within the cathedral. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the village was owned by the Tarkhnishvili family, descendants of the Saakadzes.

Ertatsminda Cathedral and Architecture

The primary landmark of the village is the St. Eustathius Cathedral, built in the first half of the 13th century during the reign of Queen Rusudan. This cross-domed structure is constructed from finely hewn yellowish limestone. The cathedral is renowned for its sophisticated stone carvings and richly decorated facades. A notable feature is the relief on the eastern facade depicting St. Eustathius during a hunt. The interior was painted in the 17th century by the monk Meletios from the Monastery of the Cross in Jerusalem. The complex also includes defensive walls, a bell tower, and the remains of various monastic and agricultural buildings.

Nature and Local Life

Ertatsminda is a traditional Kartlian village where the local population is primarily engaged in agriculture. The surrounding area preserves other interesting monuments, including the 18th-century Elisabedashvili towers and the medieval St. Tevdore Church. Every year, on September 20 (Old Style), the village celebrates the public festival "Ertatsmindoba." The surrounding forests and the Tedsami valley offer excellent opportunities for hiking and nature retreats.