Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (Life Giving Pillar)  

Svetitskhoveli
The masterpiece of mediaeval Georgian architecture Svetitskhoveli is the main Orthodox Christian Cathedral in Georgia. This is the main pilgrimage place on the Silk Road, the burial place of the Christ’s Robe, the tomb place of Georgian Kings and the most frequently visited place in Georgia. Built in 1010-1029 cc, it is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The name Svetitskhoveli is translated as a “live-giving pillar”.
History
The history of the monument dates back to the 1st century A.D. According to the legend a part of the Lord's tunic fell into the hands of a Mtskheta dweller, local Jewish man Eliazar, who had witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Eliazar brought the tunic to Georgia. In Mtskheta he was met by his sister, Sidonia. She strained the tunic to her breast and gave her soul to God. No one could take the precious thing from Sidonia's hands and therefore she was buried holding the tunic. On her grave a miraculous tree grew under which curative sweet-smelling liquid streamed throughout summer and winter.
In 337 king Mirian declared Christianity as the state religion of Iberia kingdom (now days East Georgia) and decided to build the main temple on the place where the Lord's tunic was buried. The cathedral which began its life as a wooden church was named a ‘Living pillar’ because of the main pillar which was cut from the sacred tree growing on Sidonia's grave.
Source: www.georgianholidays.com/