Travel Guide Betania

The site takes its name from the biblical village of Bethany where Jesus was received by Martha and Mary. The main church of the complex, the Church of the Dome, was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. It has a classical and perfectly proportioned form from the late Georgian Golden Age. It is one of the best examples of the typical Kartliean "cupola churches" of that period, characterized by majestic splendour and masterful execution of the facade decorations. The church is made famous by the beauty of its medieval frescoes. For example, one can admire representations of Christ in glory on his throne. On the walls of the apse of the altar, representations show prophets from the Old Testament. It is also moving to see inscriptions in ancient Georgian. The north, south and west walls depict scenes from the Passion of Christ, the Old Testament and the Last Judgement. On the northern transept appear frescoes of royal figures, including King Giorgi III, Queen Tamar and her son Lacha Giorgi IV, probably dated 1207. They were made after the coronation of the latter. They are emblematic. The site, imbued with a serene atmosphere, seems to have stopped time.