Bolnisi Sioni

#6 among destinations in Georgia

Church, Top attraction

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Kvemo Kartli region of Georgia, the Bolnisi Sioni church stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of this ancient land. This architectural marvel, dating back to the early 5th century, is one of the oldest Christian edifices in the country and is renowned for its historical significance and exquisite craftsmanship.

Constructed in 478-493 AD, during the reign of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, Bolnisi Sioni serves as a relic of Georgia's early adoption of Christianity. The church is particularly famous for its ancient Georgian inscriptions, which are among the oldest in the country and provide invaluable insight into the development of the Georgian alphabet.

The architecture of Bolnisi Sioni is a classic example of the early Christian basilica style, with a simple yet imposing rectangular layout. The church's façade is adorned with ornate stone carvings and reliefs, featuring both religious motifs and traditional Georgian patterns. Inside, remnants of once-vibrant frescoes hint at the church's former glory, capturing the essence of medieval Georgian artistry.

Bolnisi Sioni's historical and cultural significance is underscored by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate, further highlighting the church's importance as a symbol of Georgia's Christian heritage.

Local name: ბოლნისის სიონი Coordinates: 41°23'20"N, 44°30'46"E

Location

Kvemo KartliGeorgia

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Day trips

Bolnisi Sioni – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Tsughrughasheni Church, Lurji Monastery, Tamaz Stepania Stadium, Bolnisi.

0.9 miSE
Church
Tsughrughasheni Church
24 min walk • Tsughrughasheni is a Georgian Orthodox church in the Bolnisi District, Georgia. It is situated approximately 2 kilometres from Bolnisi Sioni basilica, on the right bank of the Bolnisistsqali River.
3.1 miNW
Church
Lurji Monastery
81 min walk • The Lurji Monastery, that is the "Blue Monastery", is a 12th-century Georgian Orthodox church built in the name of Saint Andrew in the Vere neighborhood of Tbilisi, Georgia. The popular historical name lurji is derived from its roof, adorned with glazed blue tile.
4.3 miN
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Sport
Tamaz Stepania Stadium
109 min walk • Tamaz Stephania Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Bolnisi, Georgia. It is used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of FC Sioni Bolnisi. The stadium is able to hold 3,000 people. The stadium is named after Tamaz Stepania, - former player, who was a goalkeeper for Dinamo Tbilisi. He died in a road accident at the age of 21.
4.3 miN
Locality
Bolnisi
110 min walk • Bolnisi, is a city in the country of Georgia, located in the Kvemo Kartli region and capital of the Bolnisi district. It currently has an estimated 13,800 inhabitants.