Dea Gunia
PhD of Art History
Tbilisi State Conservatoire (Invited lecturer)
NGO “Time and Heritage“ (Chairwoman)
Regarding the Ongoing Restoration of the Kumurdo Cathedral
Abstract
The Kumurdo Cathedral dates back to 964 and is a significant monument of Georgian architecture. During the monographic research on Kumurdo, I had an opportunity to examine its various aspects thoroughly and to present its value as clearly as possible [Kumurdo Cathedral, National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation Georgia, Tbilisi. 2019]. It has to be mentioned that the Kumurdo Cathedral needed urgent rehabilitation and restoration work. I addressed this issue in an article published in 2011 [Problems of Javakheti Region Cultural Heritage (Rehabilitation of Kumurdo Cathedral), Caucasus Journal of Social Sciences, Volume IV, Issue 1, The University of Georgia, Tbilisi, 2011].
The Kumurdo Cathedral has been undergoing a significant restoration project since 2015. The project focuses on restoring the southern porch of the cathedral, reconstructing the western arm, and rebuilding the collapsed dome. Ms. Tamar Nemsadze, who previously worked on the conservation and rehabilitation of Kumurdo in the 1970s-80s, is the author of this project.
As of the latest update from the National Agency for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (03.06.2024), the sixth stage of the project is currently in progress. This stage involves roofing the newly constructed western arm and stoa.
It should be noted that these works started with a lot of delay and now it is very important to carry them out on time and successfully. Unfortunately, due to the protracted works, the whole last year was very difficult for the Cathedral of Kumurdo, as the walls in the interior were constantly soaked by natural precipitation. The newly constructed structures suffocated the interior space and the rapidly drying conditions that had existed for decades were reversed. Fungal plaques appeared on the interior walls in certain parts.
In addition, it is worth noting that during the rehabilitation of the stoa in the south, after the removal of the protective cornice in 2019, one of the most important lapidary inscriptions of the eleventh century, which mentions Queen Mariam and Zosime of Kumurdo, is veiled with grass. It is crucial to rectify this situation and ensure that the historical inscription is fully preserved during the works.
Additionally, the most critical phase is ahead – it concerns the issue of erecting the dome. There is a difference of opinion regarding the technical solution of the works, which requires a consensus among specialists. No reconstruction can be more important than the complete preservation of the original architectural structure and relief sculpture. The selected methodology, I suspect, cannot guarantee this. Drilling existing piles and installing anchors on them, on which reinforced concrete monolithic vaults and the dome are planned to be erected, is extremely risky. It is necessary to conduct modern technological research and involve international specialists.
The present report will discuss all the important reconstruction works carried out on the temple. Specifically, it will address the construction of the portico and its relief sculptures.
Unfortunately, it must be noted that during the 10 years of rehabilitation and restoration works, only new constructions were created. The main architectural body of the temple, including the damaged areas of the roof, still requires attention.
It's important to highlight the need for attention to Kumurdo Cathedral. Since the rehabilitation of the cathedral is a matter of national importance, the involvement of specialists is crucial. Identifying problems should be viewed as a positive step towards addressing them promptly.
Keywords: Middle Ages; Kumurdo Cathedral; Architecture; Restoration; Reconstruction.