Kashveti Church of St. George

Standing prominently on Rustaveli Avenue, across from the Parliament building, the Kashveti Church of St. George acts as a link between Tbilisi’s medieval spiritual roots and its modern urban center. While the current stone structure dates to 1910, the site has served as a sacred space since the 6th century. The name Kashveti—derived from the words for stone (kva) and to give birth (shva)—is tied to a local legend involving Father David Garejeli, whose prayers were said to have transformed a false accusation into stone.

Architecture and Artistic Legacy

Designed by architect Leopold Bilfeldt, the church serves as a precise structural homage to the 11th-century Samtavisi Cathedral. Built from grey Bolnisi tuff, its exterior showcases the restraint and technical precision of classic Georgian stonemasonry. The most distinct feature lies within: the sanctuary walls were painted in 1946 by the renowned artist Lado Gudiashvili. Moving away from rigid iconography, Gudiashvili introduced a softer, emotive aesthetic that blends deep spiritual gravity with a singular, melancholic grace, making the interior atmosphere distinct from any other religious site in the city.