The extant edifice is a 16th-century monument, a three-
nave basilica, a result of remodeling of an earlier, late-10th-century
domed church, of which parts of lavish decor such as relief sculptures of laymen, clergy, and equestrian saints as well as cornices and window frames survive. The naves are separated by two pairs of arches. A bell-tower on the roof is an 18th or 19th-century addition. A 16th-century Georgian inscription on the
pylon in
Asomtavruli script reveals that the church was built de novo in 1561-1564 by
Dedisimedi, princess-consort of the
Principality of Samtskhe, of which Vale was part. The church has three entrances and windows at each side. The facades are clad with ashlars, originally remaining on the western and eastern walls. Decorations are found above each window of the eastern facade, and around the entrances. The western portal is framed with columns and arches. Its
architrave stones presumably depict St. George and St. Demetrius, with ornamentation above them. The
tympanum of the southern entrance contains
relief of the
Christ with presumably the donator. Above them, depictions of
equestrians and women. The northern facade has a relief with
lions. Numerous reliefs with animals and angels can also be found on the
cornice. == References ==