Javakheti Basalt

The Javakheti basalts hold notable cultural and architectural importance, due to their exceptional workability and enduring durability. The basalts have been used since Neolithic to Bronze age (5th millennium BC onward), megalithic (approx. 2000 BC – 200 BC), pre-Christian (before 4th Century AD) and late Christian dwellings (rock-cut monasteries, fortified cave complexes, and monastic communities). In Georgia, basalt megalithic structures can be seen in the fortress and ruins near Saro (∼1500 BC). Pre-Christian “cyclopean” megalithic buildings and menhirs occur at Khertvisi, Toki, Akhalkalaki, Dmanisi, etc. Basalt was used in the architecture of medieval churches-monasteries, namely St. George church, Pia; Evangelic-Lutheran Church, Trialeti; St. George church, Dashbashi and Catholic Church of Heart of the Jesus (1896–1898) at Khizabavra. Other notable examples include the 7th–8th century Church of the Archangel in Saro, Khertvisi Fortress (10th century), and the St. George’s Basilica (11th century) in Zeda-Tmogvi. The Etchmiadzin Cathedral (301–303 AD) and Haghpat Monastery (10th century) in Armenia, and Ani Cathedral (989–1001) and Church of St. Gregory of Tigran Honents (1215) in Eastern Türkiye are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their cultural, spritual and architectural significance. We believe that Javakheti basalt is emblematic of the cultural geoheritage of the Lesser Caucasus region still in vogue for building houses, sculpting, pavements and utilitarian objects.