The church at Mtskheta, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, was a giant of a building when it was completed in 1029 CE. It is an early example of classic Georgian church architecture and sits near the center of a walled fortress. From the surrounding plaze we could also see the much older Jvari Church atop a mountain across the river. That church was first built about 600 CE. We ran out of time before getting a chance to take a taxi up to that site but chose not to return another day to see it.

There are few windows in the cathedral, and within its dark interior there are many old icons and other art works attached to the columns and walls. As we have found to be typical, the cathedral is unlocked and receives daily religious use, as distinct from U.S. churches, which are both locked and empty most of the time.

The cathedral is believed to have Christ's crucifixion robe as a relic hidden under one of building's central columns. That column has since been credited with many miracles. Several revered Georgian monarchs and prelates are entombed here, and they are recognized and honored by local visitors.