The Alaverdi Cathedral, located in the same village, 20 km from Telavi – one of the best known temples on the territory of Georgia. The Cathedral was built in the first half of the XI century and today is one of the tallest buildings of its time.

History of the Foundation of the temple is very closely associated with Bishop Joseph of Alaverdi, through which there was a temple, consecrated in honor of St. George. In G. 1010, the era of the reign of king Kvirike III the Great, the main asset of which is considered not only the prosperity of Kakheti, but also the construction of the majestic Cathedral of Alaverdi in place of a wooden Church of St. George. Historians believe that this momentous event occurred approximately in 20-30-ies of the XI century, Almost immediately after the erection of the temple was founded here Alaverdi eparchy.

The Cathedral has suffered from invasions and earthquakes. In XV century the Church was restored by Tsar Alexander I, but in 1530 he was struck by an earthquake and later, the king Levan again engaged in his recovery. Around 1700, the Church was damaged by the Lezgins. In 1742 there was another earthquake and was restored.

In 1614 the city was attacked by Shah Abbas. King Teimuraz I had to run in Imereti. Icons from the monastery were transported in Svetitskhoveli. In the SEVENTEENTH century at the Principality of Kakheti attacked Turkmen nomads, who seized the fertile lands of Georgia and monastic site. The temple itself, they were used as stables and eventually turned it into a fortress. In 1660 the Georgians freed from Kakheti Turkmen nomads.

In 1828, after Georgia joined Russia were abolished the autocephaly of the Georgian Church, the diocese eliminated. In 1917, the diocese was restored, and in 1929 her again eliminated. Accordingly, the status of a Cathedral is constantly changing.

Despite frequent restoration, the Church was able to maintain its original appearance. In terms of the Cathedral is a strict cruciform Central-domed building. Outside the temple has modest decoration ornamental carving, like most monuments of Kakheti.

One of the main features of Alaverdi Cathedral is preserved the amazing Cathedral paintings, Dating back to XV century on the Northwest side of the Cathedral you can see the ruins of the summer Palace, which belonged to the Persian Governor Pahar Khan. The Palace was built in 1615 there is Also a bell tower. The Church is surrounded by a fortress wall.