Sioni Cathedral

source: club.foto.ru

Sioni Cathedral is one of the historical monuments of Old Tbilisi. Built between the 5^th – 6th centuries the cathedral was named after Mont Zion in Jerusalem. Not far from the cathedral there are two bell towers one of which is very interesting old, three – storey bell tower. Vakhtang Gorgasali is thought to be the founder of the temple. However, according to the another version the construction was ordered at the end of 6th century by Tao Guram I, who is thought to be buried here. This original church was demolished during the Arab invasion. In 1112 David the Builder, released Tbilisi from the Arabs and commissioned the construction of the city’s new Cathedral, which has repeatedly been subject to destructions and reconstructions. The most significant restoration works were required after the Jalal al-Din Mankburny invasion and after the damages caused by the earthquake in 1668.

The cathedral is home to the Georgia’s sacred relic - the Cross of St. Nino. St Nino is said to have established Christianity in Georgia. According to the legend St. Nino made the cross out of two vine branches by binding them with her own hair.