Case file · Apparition / miracle
The living pillar of Mtskheta
Georgian tradition says that when Saint Nino's church was being built at Mtskheta around 330, a cedar pillar could not be raised until it rose by itself into the air after her night of prayer, and poured out a healing myrrh.
330 CE · 41.84, 44.72 · status: legend
The account
The name Svetitskhoveli means 'life-giving pillar'. The pillar is said to stand over the grave of Sidonia, buried holding the robe of Christ brought from Jerusalem. The present cathedral dates to the 11th century and is the burial place of Georgian kings.
The sceptical view
A foundation legend recorded in the medieval Georgian Chronicles.