Atenisi Zion Cathedral

Atenisi Zion is an ancient Georgian monastery located in the village of Ateni, just 10 km south of Gori. It was built in the first half of the 7th century by an Armenian architect who was inspired by the architecture of Jvari. The monastery is located in the same village where, according to the 18th-century historian Vakhushti Bagrationi, both Armenians and Georgians used to live, but now only Georgians reside here.

Throughout its history, the monastery was repeatedly plundered by invaders who entered the region. Traces of a fire, set by invaders during the invasion of Shah Abbas I, are still visible in the cathedral, but surprisingly, the frescoes painted in 1080 have survived to this day. Despite all the trials, the monastery still functions and attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.