This large single nave church, featuring a three-sided ambulatory, is located in the village of Tsvirmi, within the Tsvirmi community. It was built in the 10th century, and its interior is adorned with painting dating to the first half of the 12th century, created by a student of the royal painter Theodore.
The mural program closely mirrors the compositional and stylistic approach seen in Theodore’s own work. This is evidenced by the use of a layout in the sanctuary that directly parallels that of Nakipari Church, the selection of a small number of feast scenes from the liturgical calendar—just as seen in other churches painted by Theodore—and the overall deployment of imagery within the church in accordance with monumental-architectural design principles.
The artist’s professional skill is evident in the general treatment of the figures, the harmonious blending of colors, the expressive use of fluid lines, and a marked tendency toward a distinctive decorative style. Despite the frescoes’ current heavily damaged condition, their artistic impact remains clear to the viewer.
Useful information
Location
The church is located in the center of the village
Intangible cultural heritage
Rostom and Temur Tamliani, village of Tsvirmi
Father and son are wood masters. Temur Tamliani makes wooden utensils. They also possess the traditional knowledge of making lime and bendik - a building material, as well as kavari - wooden shingles used as roofing.
Khatuna Mikiani-Abdelani, village Tsvirmi
Conducts Svanetian salt making and culinary master classes.
