Merevi Saint George’s Church

Merevi Saint George’s Church, also known as Alaverdi Saint George’s Church, stands in the village of Merevi, Chiatura Municipality, in Upper Imereti. This 11th-century hall church is particularly interesting for its carved stone decoration.

Architecture and stone reliefs

The church has distinctive carved window surrounds and a decorated entrance porch. A hunting scene of Saint Eustathius Placidus is a notable figurative relief, adding a narrative element to the exterior ornament.

The church was restored and enlarged in a later period with an addition on its western side. When looking around, distinguish the original hall from this extension: the building seen today brings together medieval fabric and subsequent work.

Visiting and more of the Chiatura area

Allow time to look closely at the window surrounds and porch decoration. Changes in daylight bring out different details of the carving; there is no need to touch or climb the stonework to appreciate them.

Another village church in Chiatura Municipality is Tsasri Saint George’s Wooden Church, offering a comparison with a different building material and a later period. Back in town, continue exploring the area’s history at Chiatura Local History Museum.