Tbilisi launches major restoration of historic Sioni Cathedral

A large-scale rehabilitation project has been launched in Tbilisi at Sioni Cathedral, one of the principal churches of the Georgian Orthodox Church and a major historical landmark of the capital.

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said the project has already been fully prepared and that scaffolding is currently being installed at the site ahead of the main restoration works, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

He noted that the cathedral is suffering from a leaking roof, which has caused rainwater to damage interior frescoes.

“The problem is the roof, and the bell tower has also been damaged. We will put everything in order,” the mayor said during a visit to the cathedral.

The restoration is expected to be completed by the end of October. The project is estimated at 1.22 million lari (approximately $460,000).

The works are being carried out by the Tbilisi Development Fund in cooperation with the Patriarchate of the Georgian Orthodox Church and cultural heritage specialists.

By Vafa Guliyeva