12 May 2003, 15:29
Ateni
Also Didi-Ateni. Settlement in Gorijsky area of Georgia. Near Ateni, in a picturesque narrow gorge of the river Tana, an outstanding architectural monument is located - four-apsed pectoral cross dome temple Atensky Zion (VII century, architect Todos), which repeats the plan and architectural forms of the well-known Dzhvari temple. Facades of the temple are decorated with complex architectural compositions, and internal walls - with paintings of XI century, including portraits of historical figures. Also kept: dome church Orbeliani (VIII-IX centuries), church Tsminda Giorgi (XI century), medieval fortress Atenistsykhe.
