St. George Cathedral in Khoni

The St. George Cathedral in Khoni stands as one of the most significant medieval religious landmarks in the Imereti region. Located in the center of the town, this ancient church functions as the primary cathedral for the Eparchy of Khoni and Samtredia. While many travelers pass through Khoni on their way to the canyons of Western Georgia, this site preserves centuries of ecclesiastical authority and unique architectural transformations that mirror the turbulent history of the region.

Ancient Origins and Architectural Evolution

The cathedral is a large, domeless three-nave basilica built using smoothly hewn white stone. While historical sources track major construction phases to the 11th century during the reign of King George I, local structural evidence points to foundations dating as far back as the 8th century. The building underwent extensive renovations and expansions in the 12th, 14th, and 19th centuries to enlarge its interior space. Massive stone walls enclose the structure, and an elegant stone bell tower stands near the southern side of the defensive wall. The bell tower features a square first level supporting a polygonal upper tier with six open arches, matching the masonry style of the main church.

Historical Significance and Relics

For centuries, Khoni was a vital cultural and administrative hub for the Kingdom of Imereti. The cathedral served as the seat of the powerful Bishops of Khoni, whose influence was recorded by 17th-century European missionaries like Christoforo Castelli and geographer Archangelo Lamberti. The church once housed invaluable historical antiquities, including a famous 11th-century golden icon of St. George and rare medieval frescoes studied by renowned scholars like Ekvtime Takaishvili. According to local church tradition, a sacred relic—the right arm of St. George—was historically preserved within the cathedral, cementing its status as a major pilgrimage site in Western Georgia.