Bolnisi is a suburb of Rustavi . At the distance of 8 km from the city there is Kvemo-Bolnisi settlement with the oldest in Georgia Bolnisi church (Bolnisi Zion) dated the 5th century.
It looks very unusual since it has no hipped dome, the traditional element of Georgian architecture. Two rows of columns supporting the building are connected by arches; the capitals are decorated with carved geometrical patterns.
The church looks simple and laconic. The walls are tiled with smooth rich turquoise tufa plates. Bolnisi Zion interior amazes with its riches and luxury and makes the impression of grandeur.
The facade bears the ancient inscriptions which are the oldest samples of Georgian lettering. Nearby there is a small chapel constructed in the 8 th century. |
