Bolnisi Sioni

41.38888888888944.5125Koordinaten: 41 ° 23 ' 20 " N, 44 ° 30' 45" E

The Georgian Orthodox Bolnissier Sioni Church (Georgian ბოლნისის სიონი; bɔlnɪsɪs sɪɔnɪ ) is the oldest surviving church in Georgia and throughout the Caucasus. It is located in Bolnisi in the region of Lower Kartli, Bolnisi municipality, on the left bank of the river Bolnissiszqali. According to an inscription, which is located above the entrance on the north wall, it was built 478-493.

The Bolnissier Sioni Church is a three-aisled basilica. The walls are covered with carved turquoise blue square stone. The three ships are separated by five pillars. The apse is semicircular.

Famous are the Georgian inscriptions on the church. They are merged with those of Bethlehem the oldest historical evidence of the Georgian script.

From the Bolnissier Sioni church was also the Bolnissikreuz that today - in addition to the cross of Saint Nino ( vines Cross) - is often used by the Georgian Orthodox Church.

The football club FC Sioni Bolnisi is named after the church.