Bolnis Zion ( Georgian .იბოლნის სიონი ) - the oldest Georgian temple in the form of a basilica . It is located in the village of Bolnisi of the Bolnisi municipality of Kvemo Kartli region .
The construction started in 478 and completed in 493 , it is the oldest and, moreover, well-preserved basilica in the country. Some of the most ancient inscriptions in Georgian were found in the temple.
The temple was erected on a three-stage basement . Three naves had vaulted ceilings and were brought under a common dual-slope roof. The central nave had a basalt vault, and the lateral nave had a semi-shell. From the north and south there were galleries with a larger roof. On the eastern side a closed baptismal was arranged. The eastern altar part has a semi-cylindrical protrusion.
Exterior decorations are almost absent, the forms are overweight and squat. Composed of large squares greenish stone. The western and eastern facades are monumentally strict and concise. The north and south facades are enlivened by the arches of the open side galleries .
The interior of the temple is formed by rows of cross-shaped columns . Large, clear and precise forms give the inner space a monumental character.
The carved stone capitals of the columns and pilasters are decorated with images of animals and trees, and also contain a linear ornament in the form of double arches. The plots of the images, apparently, are connected with the symbolism of early Christianity , but a connection with the ancient local cults is possible. The interpretation of the forms shows the connection with the art of Iran and Syria , as well as the connection with the local traditions of wood carving.
Literature
- General History of Arts, v.2, M. "Art", 1960
- L. A. Perfilyeva. BOLNISSKY ZION // Orthodox Encyclopedia . - M .: Church-Scientific Center "Orthodox Encyclopedia" , 2002. - V. V. - p. 652-653. - 752 s. - 39 000 copies - ISBN 5-89572-010-2 .