Georgia is set to begin a large-scale research, conservation, and restoration project at the historic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the ancient city of Mtskheta, one of the country's most significant cultural and religious landmarks.

The National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia announced that the project will run throughout 2026 and 2027, with a total estimated budget of up to 5 million lari.

The restoration will be carried out in several phases, beginning with an extensive scientific assessment of the cathedral. Experts will evaluate the current condition of the monument, identify existing and potential risks, and conduct a wide range of studies, including historical and archival research, architectural and engineering surveys, geological and geotechnical assessments, seismic and climate analysis, and materials testing.

Based on the findings, specialists will prepare a comprehensive conservation strategy, along with technical designs, cost estimates, methodological guidelines, and a long-term monitoring and data management system.

The second phase will focus on restoration and preservation work. Planned measures include conserving the cathedral's stone masonry, wall paintings, structural elements, and roof, as well as upgrading the drainage system and engineering infrastructure. The project will also involve the installation of scaffolding, temporary protective structures, and other measures necessary to safeguard the monument during restoration.

Authorities plan to allocate up to 2 million lari for the research stage and a further 3 million lari for the restoration works.

To implement the project, the National Agency has requested permission from the State Procurement Agency to use a simplified procurement procedure. Officials said this approach is necessary because the scope and cost of later stages will only become clear after the completion of the initial scientific investigations, making it impossible to finalize a conventional procurement process in advance.

The agency emphasized that Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is one of Georgia's most important cultural heritage monuments, holding exceptional historical, architectural, artistic, spiritual, and national significance. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral is protected under international commitments requiring the preservation of its authenticity, integrity, and outstanding universal value.

Known as the "Living Pillar," Svetitskhoveli serves as the principal patriarchal cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Located in Mtskheta, the country's ancient spiritual capital, the current cathedral was built in the 11th century on the site of earlier Christian churches. According to church tradition, it houses the Robe of Jesus Christ, one of the most revered relics of Georgian Christianity. The cathedral is the largest surviving medieval church in Georgia and has been included on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1994.