Alaverdi Temple, located in the eponymous village, 20 km from the town of Telavi - one of the most famous temples in Georgia. Cathedral was built in the first half of XI century. and today is one of the highest buildings of its time.

The history of the temple grounds is very closely linked with the bishop Joseph of Alaverdi, due to which there was a temple consecrated in honor of St. George. In 1010 the era of the reign of King Kvirike III the Great, whose main asset is considered not only the prosperity of Kakheti, but also the construction of the majestic cathedral Alaverdi at the site of the wooden church of St. George. Historians believe that this is a significant event occurred in approximately 20-30-ies. XI century. Almost immediately after the construction of the temple was founded here Alaverdi Eparchy.

The cathedral has repeatedly suffered from enemy invasions and earthquakes. In the XV century. the church was restored by Tsar Alexander I, but in 1530 he suffered from the earthquake and later, in the king Levan again took up his recovery. Around 1700 the church was damaged Lezgins. In 1742 there was another earthquake, and again had to be restored.

In 1614 the city was attacked by Shah Abbas. King Teimuraz I fled to Imereti. The icons of the monastery were transferred to Svetitskhoveli. In the seventeenth century. in the principality of Kakheti Turkmen nomads attacked, captured the fertile lands of Georgia and the monastery area. The temple itself, they were used as stables and eventually turned it into a fortress. In 1660 Georgians released from Kakheti Turkmen nomads.

In 1828, after Georgia joined Russia, have been abolished autocephaly of the Georgian Church, the diocese eliminated. In 1917, the diocese was restored, and in 1929 it again eliminated. Accordingly, the status of the cathedral is constantly changing.

Despite frequent restoration, the church was able to maintain its original appearance. In terms of the Cathedral is a strict cruciform central-domed building. Outside the temple is a modest decoration ornamental carving, like most of the Kakheti monuments.

One of the main features of the temple Alaverdi - this amazing cathedral preserved murals dating from the XV century. On the northwest side of the cathedral you can see the ruins of the summer palace, which belonged to the Persian governor Feyhar Khan. The palace was built in 1615 there is also the bell tower. The cathedral is surrounded by a fortress wall.