Ateni Sioni Church

The Ateni Sioni Church, a 7th-century Georgian Orthodox church, is located in the picturesque Ateni gorge near Gori, Georgia. This architectural marvel features a tetraconch design typical of its period, with a domed structure and intricately carved facades. Notably, it encompasses a rich array of frescoes added in the 11th century, depicting dynamic figures and noble portraits. The church bears significant historical inscriptions, including the earliest known examples of the Nuskhuri script from 835 CE and Mkhedruli script from the 980s. The site also includes remnants of a medieval fortified town, enhancing its historical value. These attributes make the Ateni Sioni Church a crucial site for understanding the architectural and cultural development of medieval Georgia.