Monuments

A compound of minerals and organic elements that was kept secret and used for building of ancient forts and churches accounts for endurance of these structures against earthquakes, wars and weather. Early Georgian civil architecture is less obvious today, which leaves structures of military and religious use, including the structures outside the borders of Georgia, a single clear example of construction technologies that puzzled with precision and functionality.

Georgia was christened in 4th c. Since then religious monuments built in its borders are of two forms, basilica and domed cruciform. Freestanding or inscribed cross is the main element in the plan of the Georgian domed cruciform church, which has a single drum-shaped tower on the vertical axis of the intersection of cross’ two lines. The tower is mostly acutely pointed opposed to the round cupola inside.

Whether forts with elaborate water-pipe system in their walls, or churches, they are closely connected with the environment in which they were built. The use of form, colour and structures, decoration and frescoes reveal thoroughly apprehended natural rhythm and geometry, communicating uplifting and spirited air.

Cities like Vardzia and Uplistsikhe were cut inside the rock and used for hiding during the war. Walking inside this stone city one can see a throne room, churches, apartments and social rooms, as well as pharmacies and stables. Water was supplied as high as 13 floors of the complex, where traces of clay pipes can still be seen.

In Georgia frescoes develop from 9th c under Byzantine influence; natural pigments characteristic to the region, used skilfully by artists were covering the walls with real masterpieces. Elaborate in details and plain in whole, chased works and cloisonné enamel exemplares left distinctive traditions and particularly beautiful ascetic pieces.

The Georgian alphabet appears first in 3 rd c. BC. It is one of world's original 14 alphabets.