Nokalakevi Three-Nave Basilica

Traveling through the Samegrelo region reveals centuries of deep-layered history, and the lower citadel of the ancient fortress city of Nokalakevi holds one of its most compelling architectural puzzles. Historically known as Archaeopolis by Byzantine chroniclers and Tsikhegoji in Georgian records, this vast administrative and defensive center was the capital of the early medieval Kingdom of Egrisi (Lazica). Standing within the lower fortifications near the rushing waters of the Tekhuri River, the Nokalakevi Three-Nave Basilica—later modified into a single-nave hall church—stands as a direct physical link to the official adoption of Christianity in western Georgia.

Architectural Evolution from Basilica to Hall Church

The building is a fascinating structural timeline that reflects the turbulent geopolitics of the South Caucasus. Archeological excavations indicate that the first Christian sanctuary on this spot was established around the 5th century, which was subsequently expanded into a large, formal three-nave basilica during the 6th century. This grand design, featuring distinct longitudinal aisles separated by rows of pillars, aligned with the imperial Byzantine architectural trends sweeping through the Lazica kingdom at the peak of its strategic importance.

However, centuries of heavy warfare, including the devastating Byzantine-Sasanian Iberian Wars and later Arab incursions led by Marwan the Deaf in the 730s, left the metropolis heavily damaged. When local builders set out to restore the ruined spiritual center in the high medieval period, they adapted the structure to changing local architectural preferences and economic realities. The open arches connecting the central nave to the side aisles were completely walled up, transforming the damaged basilica into a unified, robust "darbazuli" (single-nave hall church).

Masonry Layers and Structural Material

Closer inspection of the exterior and interior masonry reveals distinct construction phases that tell the story of local resourcefulness:

• The Foundational Layer: The lower tiers feature finely cut, regular blocks of local limestone and yellowish tufa, characteristic of the prosperous 6th-century building boom when royal architects from Constantinople collaborated with local craftsmen.
• Medieval Renovations: The upper walls and vaulted ceilings display a more utilitarian mix of river cobblestones, broken bricks, and heavy mortar, signaling urgent repairs undertaken during periods of defensive mobilization.
• The Apse and Vaulting: Inside, the semi-circular eastern apse retains elements of its early Christian configuration, showcasing how later builders meticulously preserved the sacred orientation of the original altar while reinforcing the main vault to withstand seismic activity.

Historical Context within Archaeopolis

This sanctuary did not exist in isolation; it operated as an integral part of a massive urban defense network. Positioned within the lower citadel, the church sat in immediate proximity to the royal palaces of Egrisi, the advanced Byzantine-style civil baths, and the sophisticated underground escape tunnels that carved through the limestone cliffs directly down to the Tekhuri River. The church served as the primary place of worship for the royal court and the military garrison defending the northern passes of the empire against nomadic invasions, making its survival and continuous restoration a matter of state survival for the rulers of Samegrelo.