Scandal erupts in Georgia over ruins of 6th-century church

New construction on the site of the historic church. Photo: publika.ge

The Giorgi Chubinashvili National Research Centre for Georgian Art History has reported the complete destruction of a cultural heritage monument in the village of Zguderi, in Kareli Municipality. According to the UOJ in Georgia, unauthorized construction of a new church is now underway on the site of a historic three-nave basilica of the 6th century, which had the status of a site of national importance.

The church was considered an important example of early medieval Georgian architecture. Despite reconstructions in the 10th and 14th centuries, as well as damage during the Soviet period, the ruins retained their historical value. However, monitoring showed that the ancient masonry had been completely destroyed last year to make way for a new structure made of concrete and modern materials.

“The demolition of the monument and the start of new construction on its site took place without any permission,” the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia stressed. The agency noted that it had identified the unauthorized activity last year and had then sent a written demand ordering the works to stop. Information about the situation at the site was also forwarded to the Georgian Patriarchate as the official owner of the monument.

The Chubinashvili Centre said the events in Zguderi reveal serious systemic problems in the protection of the country’s cultural heritage. Scholars insist on the need to toughen state policy on monument preservation and to inform the public about such incidents in a timely manner in order to prevent the irreversible loss of ancient shrines in the future.

As the UOJ reported, Tbilisi City Hall has begun restoring Sioni Cathedral.

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