Culture

The culture of Georgia has evolved over the country's long history, providing it with a unique national culture and a strong literary tradition based on the Georgian language and alphabet. This has provided a strong sense of national identity that has helped to preserve Georgian distinctiveness despite repeated periods of foreign occupation and attempted assimilation.

Architecture

Georgian architecture is one of the most distinguished and unique architectures in the world. However, it has been enriched and influenced by many civilisations during the long history of the country. There are several different architectural styles for castles, towers fortifications and churches. The Upper Svaneti fortifications and the castle town of Shatili in Khevsureti are one of the finest examples of medieval Georgian castles.

Georgian ecclesiastic art is one of the most fascinating aspects of Georgian Christian architecture, which combines classical dome style with original basilica style forming what is known as Georgian cross-dome style. Cross-dome style of architecture developed in Georgia during the 9th century and before that, most of the Georgian churches were basilicas.

Georgian culture places high emphases on individualism and this is expressed thought the allocation of space inside the churches. Other examples of Georgian ecclesiastic architecture can be found oversees in Bulgaria (Bachkovo Monastery built in 1083 by Georgian military commander Grigorii Bakuriani ), in Greece (Iviron monastery built by Georgians in 10th century) and in Jerusalem (Monastery of the Cross built by Georgians in 9th century).

Other architectural aspects of Georgia include Hausmannized Rustaveli Avenue of Tbilisi and the Old Town District.

Art

The art of Georgia varies from prehistoric to ancient Greek, Roman, medieval, ecclesiastic, iconic and modern visual arts. One of the most famous late nineteenth and early twentieth century Georgian artists was Niko Pirosmani.