Shida Kartli

Urbnisi monastery

Urbnisi monastery is a 6th-7th-century three-nave basilica which was rebuilt twice in the 10th and 17th centuries. Quite a simple and large church, it is based on twelve strong pillars for three naves. There are many inscriptions on the walls of the monastery which are thought to be the examples of the 6th-7th-century Georgian alphabet.

Near the village is an 8th-9th-century domed church, Ruisi Cathedral of Divinity, which serves as a center of the Urbnisi-Ruisi eparchy of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

Both Urbnisi Monastery and the Ruisi Cathedral are known for a major ecclesiastic council convened here in 1103-1104 by the Georgian king David the Builder to cope with problems within the church hierarchy.