General Overview of the Three-dimensional Architectural Models as Acroteria in Medieval Georgia

Medieval architecture of the South Caucasus developed a unique tradition making acroteria shaped as three-dimensional models churches. Since church-shaped have never been thoroughly explored in Georgia, this paper focuses on examples surviving region. Special attention is paid to analyzing architectural and sculptural aspects acroteria, well their function. This aims at discussing both formal functional from Georgia. It intended explore what kind church were usually created how they designed, extent resemble or differ real architecture. Typically, model erected top gables was made stone, though glazed ceramic acroterion can be found well, such that Alaverdi Cathedral As research has shown, do not replicate architecture; represent abridged images actual buildings, repeating only general layout (cross-domed or, rarely, single-nave structure) selected number elements evidently considered essential typical repertoire period which created.