A monument of Georgian architecture, built in 1010–1029 by the architect Arsukisdze in the heart of Mtskheta, where the Aragvi joins the Mtkvari. The oldest Georgian church was built here in the first half of the 4th century. In the second half of the 5th century, under Vakhtang Gorgasali, a large basilica replaced the original wooden building; some of its parts and piers were incorporated into the present cathedral. The basilica stood until the 11th century, when, in the reign of Giorgi I, the country's general flourishing enabled Catholicos Melkisedek to build a magnificent cathedral in its place.