.:Virtual Travel of City KUTAISI:.

During the long history, Kutaisi was the capital of kolchi, Egris-Lazika, Abkhazeti and the United Georgia. In the period of feudal dispersion, Kutaisi became the capital of Imereti Kingdom. Kutaisi reached the top in 975-1014 years-during the reign of the king of the United Georgia Bagrati III, whose provident polishisled to a foundation of a Cathedral. And this Cathedral was sancitified on Behalf of. St. Mariam.

Bagrati Cathedral, with its historical and artistic significance has an important place in the Art of Georgia in the middle-ages. It was the symbol of political power of Georgia, nation unity, and the victory over the enemy. And really the symbol of Kutaisi is the cathedral that looks the ancient town. On the north-eastern wall of the cathedral there is a messege written in Capitall Letters. Here is mentioned that this cathedral was strengthened in 233. This date turns out to be the year 1003.

The figures, written on the cathedral's wall, are Arabic. And meny European scientist had been astonished by these inscription, because the Arabi figures had been used here ealier than in Europe.

The chronicler tells us that the cathedral was sanctified i triumph.

During 7 centuries, Bagrati cathedral was fascinating the visitors with its beauty and greatness.

At the end of VII century, the Turkish oppressors conquered Kutaisi stronghold., in 1691, during the furious fights, the Turkish barbarians ruined Kutaisi stronghold and exploded Bagrati Cathedral.

In August 6, 1770 the Russian army under command of Totleben, bombed out Kutaisi stronghold from Mtsvanekvavila. The dome of the Cathedral was crumbled, the pillars and the windows were destroyed.

The archaeological expidetion of Kutaisi has found alot of different kinds of bombs in the area the Cathedral.

Despite of this, Bagrati Cathedral still makes the great impresion with is huge propetions, monumental and splendid out ward apperance.

Since 1996 Bagrati cathedral is under the protection of UNESCO In 2001 was made an agreement about the re-establishment ofsioni Bagrati cathedral which was signed by the President of Georgia Mr. Eduard Shevardnadze and the Katholikos of Georgia Ilia II.

For the 2003, at the 1000 th anniversary of Bagrati cathedral. (21-27 September)