The Cathedral of the Dormition, or more commonly Bagrati Cathedral, was originally built in the 11th Century. Over time it has been war damaged and fallen into a complete state of disrepair.
Source 1913
As it is today. Major reconstruction rather than renovation began in the 1950's, and is still continuing to this day.
Still a focal point for pilgrims and locals alike.
It seems like the scaffold is holding this place together, but it is a massive work platform as the frescoes too are repainted
I am sure their chosen deity will protect them should anything fall or collapse.
That's me fucked then.
The choir broke out into fine voice, the room hushed, the faithful looked on.
The Bishop is in the house
There then seemed an eternity whilst a ritual was carried out
The minions bringing various pieces of clothing and jewelry and dressing the bishop
A few words spoken and that was it.
The existence of this church is quite controversial, in 2010, Bagrati was removed from UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites, due to, well its complete reconstruction.
The scale and intervention compromises the cathedral’s outstanding universal value and authenticity.
Of course nothing in life is that simple, Politics and money in addition to religion are both significant players in the world of UNESCO and the countries scrambling to get free money loans.
Many of those within the World Heritage Committee do not see Georgia as reliable, they are reluctant to make further grants. One doesn't have to read between the lines to see where they are coming from!
Seems like they need some divine intervention, hmm?
Speaking of divine intervention, this is the Bishop's car, which he regularly drives going about his business.
The old saying "Wing and a prayer" spring to mind.
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What nice pictures. I'm glad they are rebuilding it.
Does the controversy come after they started the reconstruction? If so, it can be taken in two ways. Something that in the reconstructions they are changing or that they wanted the place to stay in the ruins for a certain reason...
I hope, the controversy will be solved and better yet Georgia can enjoy a beautiful cathedral.
!LUV
cheers @flquin thanks for stopping by, I think the issue is, that the purpose to these unesco places is that they should remain as close as possible to how they are when listed...... This one has undergone a complete rebuild.
Appears to have people still enjoy services in the restored building making it worthwhile. Not many churches are visited of late other than the traveler who drops in to enjoy history.
!BEER
LOL. we travellers what would the world be like without us
Was always impressed with the exceptionally old vs many new dripping in gold, always imagine a place of sanctuary in the old vs bragging off wealth.
Yes whilst the people starve the church gets rich
Many do live like royalty in gowns, yet there are a few that still serve the people.
I just think the church of any religion is corrupt and self serving
Mostly leaders, not the faithful, it happens in and out of any denomination. You have a few who live by their word, then those who steal from the mouth of babes.
View or trade
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He has an awesome car 😎 so cool….
Great find.
Happy new week @grindle 👋🏻😊
yes not very bishop like at all ! loved the "stainless steel" bumpers which were hand painted with a silver paint LOL. In fact most of the car was hand painted
Makes it even more awesome… hand painted hehehe 🤭
Character lol
I really like to see and visit such places and I especially appreciate that you attached a picture of this cathedral as it looked in the 11th century.
travel broadens the mind! always a need to learn about new places
You're absolutely right.
Lovely photos. I am surprised that you were able to make so many in the church. Before I read it - I scrolled up to the first photo. I though - there is no roof so where did those frescos come from.I can understand why there were removed from the list. Reconstruction is not the same as renovation; beautiful church though.
Thank you, my camera is perfect for low light situations(one of the reasons I bought it). The people seem quite taken by the fact someone wants to snap them lol. Yes this is not making the odd touch up, like you say the art work is all relatively new