Bagrati Cathedral
Updated: November 6, 2026
Imereti · central Kutaisi
Bagrati Cathedral is the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God on Ukimerioni Hill in central Kutaisi. It was built in the early 11th century under King Bagrat III, after whom the cathedral is named.
It was the main cathedral of the unified Kingdom of Georgia. An inscription on the north wall states that the floor was laid in 1003. David IV the Builder was crowned here.
At the end of the 17th century, during an invasion by Ottoman troops, the dome and roof collapsed. The church was restored by 2012, and today it is one of the symbols of Kutaisi.
- Wherecentral Kutaisi, Ukimerioni Hill
- Builtearly 11th century, King Bagrat III
- Dedicated tothe Dormition of the Mother of God
- Entryfree
- Visitabout 30 minutes
Tours to Bagrati Cathedral
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History of the cathedral
The cathedral was built under Bagrat III as the main church of the unified Kingdom of Georgia. An inscription on the north wall dates the floor to 1003.
At the end of the 17th century, during an invasion by Ottoman troops, the dome and roof collapsed, and the church stood in ruins for more than three centuries. Restoration began in the 1950s under the architect Vakhtang Tsintsadze.
Restoration and UNESCO
In 1994 the cathedral, together with Gelati Monastery, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2001 it was handed over to the Georgian Orthodox Church.
The full reconstruction was completed in 2012. UNESCO judged that it had damaged the integrity and authenticity of the monument, and in 2017 removed the cathedral from the list. Gelati kept its status.
What to see
- Cathedral — an active church, the seat of the Metropolitan of Kutaisi.
- Carving — stone capitals and ornaments on the walls.
- View of Kutaisi — a panorama of the city from Ukimerioni Hill.
How to get there
- In Kutaisi: the cathedral stands on a hill in the city center.
- From Tbilisi: about 220 km, roughly 3 hours by car.
- On a tour: a Kutaisi tour from Tbilisi — more details in our article about Kutaisi in one day.
Tips
- The cathedral is active: services and weddings take place here — please keep quiet.
- 30 minutes is enough for a visit.
- Gelati Monastery is nearby — they are usually seen on the same trip.
Bagrati Cathedral photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons
What to see near Bagrati Cathedral
Gelati Monasterythe monastery of David the Builder, a UNESCO site
View from Ukimerioni Hilla panorama of Kutaisi from the cathedral
Where to stay nearby
KutaisiOrange Kutaisi Hotel is a good choice in Kutaisi. Bagrati Cathedral and the Green Bazaar are a 15-minute walk away.
KutaisiHotel Mimino is an option in the very heart of Kutaisi. Bagrati Cathedral is a 1-minute drive away, and Givi Kiladze Stadium is a 5-minute drive.
KutaisiTerrace Kutaisi Hotel is located in the very heart of Kutaisi. The Kutaisi State Historical Museum and the Green Bazaar are a 15-minute walk away.
Trip.com prices per night for 2 adults, check-in 07–08.11.2026, data as of 31.10.2026; Trip.com shows hotel prices in US dollars. Booking and payment — on Trip.com, our partner.
Bagrati Cathedral on the map
Bagrati Cathedral FAQ
Where is Bagrati Cathedral?
In the center of Kutaisi, on Ukimerioni Hill.
When was the cathedral built?
In the early 11th century under King Bagrat III. An inscription on the wall dates the floor to 1003.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, entry is free.
Why was the cathedral removed from the UNESCO list?
In 2017 UNESCO judged that the 2012 reconstruction had damaged the monument's authenticity.
How much time do I need for the cathedral?
About 30 minutes. Gelati Monastery is usually visited on the same trip.
Are there tours to Bagrati Cathedral?
Yes, the cathedral is included in Kutaisi tours from Tbilisi. They're listed above on this page.
Photo sources
- magorzatapiekut, Pinterest
- karolszumski, Pinterest
- luisbadialopez, Pinterest
- j7871, Pinterest
- niakochadze, Pinterest
- ashcraft0735, Pinterest
- josiefine75, Pinterest
- Dmitry Torbins, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Bernard Gagnon, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
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