Historical fortified town of Kvetara in Kakheti is located in Akhmeta region, on the bank of river Ilto. Kvetara was one of the centers of the principality (later kingdom) of Kakheti. Kartlis Tskhovreba mentions it from mid-XI century, however according to Vakhushti Bagrationi, it should have been founded in almost VIII century. The archeological research proves that this version is true. Kvetara is surrounded by a solid fence constructed from cobblestone and broken stone the walls of which are reinforced by round and square towers. There is an Acropolis on the highest point of the south-east of the fortress in which there used to be a palace and a church. The cross-type church belongs to the first half of X century. It seems to have been a royal court church. The cathedral is unpretentious, without any decorations and ornaments and is roofed with blue tiles.

100 Sights of Georgia