Avnevi (Ossetic: Аунеу, Awnew, Georgian: ავნევი) is a small village in South Ossetia, a region of Georgia who's sovereignty is disputed. Avnevi is located 873 meters above sea level and 109 kilometers from the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.[1] Avnevi has been in international news in 2008 when it was shelled during the Ossetian conflict.
Avnevi church represents architectural features and building quality of the Georgian architecture of late medieval centuries and dated back to 14-15th cc. It is a tiny building of cross–domed shape and triconch type, with slightly elevated sanctuary on the east and two entrances in the western arm, one on the south, another on the west.
The dome rests on the corners of the walls and has four window openings. The interior is plastered and painted in early 20th c with the simple imitation of sky and gilded stars. Exterior of the building is covered with smoothly cut stones which are placed in uneven rows. The round shape drum of the dome is build in bricks.
Windows and doors have a very simple stone moldings and a horizontal row cuts nearly all parts of the facades. There are several stone carvings and also figure relief’s which are reused for the Avnevi church. One on the western façade depicts mother of God, Christ and John the Baptist, another next to south entrance depicts the Donor holding the cross and surrounded with Wood of Life. These stone reliefs are dated back to 10th c.
Avnevi church represents a copy of 9th c. Uraveli Triconch, located in Southern part of Georgia.
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