Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta—one of the country’s most important monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage site—is set to undergo rehabilitation, according to the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia.
Work is scheduled to begin in 2026 and be completed in 2027. The project’s budget is approximately 5 million lari. The procurement has been announced under a simplified procedure and is divided into two stages.
The agency noted that the project is phased and depends on the results of the studies.
As part of the rehabilitation, alongside the restoration work, a large-scale study of the cathedral’s condition will be conducted, including historical-archival, architectural, engineering, geological, geotechnical, seismic, climatic, and materials science research.
Based on the data obtained, specialists will prepare a so-called “holistic conservation” document and develop design and cost estimate documentation.
The project also involves implementing a building condition monitoring system and data management mechanisms, which will allow tracking changes and risks in the long term.
The agency explained that the work is necessary because the cathedral’s current condition requires a comprehensive assessment, as any subsequent restoration or conservation interventions must be based on scientific research and technical analysis.
The agency noted that it was impossible to plan the project precisely in advance, as it consists of interconnected stages, and the final parameters can only be determined after the research phase is completed.
Svetitskhoveli is one of Georgia’s most important spiritual, historical, and architectural symbols. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site obligates the state to preserve the monument’s authenticity and unique value, requiring regular monitoring and a professional approach to restoration.