Church of the Virgin
Threatened Frescos
Adorned with a series of mural paintings dating from the twelfth century, the medieval Church of the Virgin in Timotesubani was built during the reign of Queen Tamar (r. 1184-1213), whose rule coincided with the golden age of the Georgian kingdom. The church, situated in the picturesque Borjomi Gorge of southern Georgia, is built of pink brick in a crossed-dome plan. Its frescoes are considered among the finest works of the period. Over time, exposure to high humidity, combined with poor ventilation and water infiltration, has threatened the condition of the murals.
Restoration and Conservation
Beginning in 2000, WMF embarked on a program to conserve the murals and address the environmental issues affecting their condition. The effort required studies to document existing damage, leading to the determination of a course of action for their protection. In 2002, work addressed the repair of the roof and windows and the improvement of drainage at the church’s foundation. WMF cleaned the interior of the church’s dome, and made repairs to the building’s north side. In 2004, WMF treated failing plaster, cleaned the surfaces of the frescoes and rehabilitated damaged steps, floors and brickwork. Work at Timotesubani was successfully completed in 2006.
