Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, Tbilisi (must see)
The Holy Trinity Cathedral, known locally as Sameba, stands as one of the defining symbols of modern Georgia鈥攁n architectural and spiritual masterpiece crowning Elia Hill and overlooking the Kura River. Completed in 2004 after nearly a decade of construction, the cathedral was conceived in the years following Georgia鈥檚 independence as a monument of hope, unity, and faith. Its golden dome dominates the skyline, visible from almost every corner of the city, symbolizing the rebirth of the Georgian Orthodox Church after decades of suppression during the Soviet era.
Given the nation was trying to rebuild its identity, the cathedral could not be half-baked. Thus, an international contest was organized in 1989. The winner had to take on the challenge of making the Georgian nation proud. Due to civil unrest, the foundation was not laid until 1995. The final product combines traditional Georgian ecclesiastical styles with subtle modern influences, reflecting the country鈥檚 balance between heritage and progress. The chosen site, once home to an old Armenian cemetery destroyed during Soviet rule, added layers of historical resonance.
Local memory often recalls the day of the cathedral鈥檚 consecration in 2004, when thousands of citizens climbed the hill to witness the ceremony. Many carried candles, shielding the flames from the wind as the Patriarch blessed the new church. As the third tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral worldwide, it clearly became a reference point for the rebirth of the Georgian spirit. Now it is all yours to see.
Sameba remains not only a place of worship but a cultural landmark. Tourists can explore its grand interior, illuminated by soft natural light and frescoes depicting Georgian saints and kings, or stroll the surrounding gardens and terraces offering panoramic views of Tbilisi.
Given the nation was trying to rebuild its identity, the cathedral could not be half-baked. Thus, an international contest was organized in 1989. The winner had to take on the challenge of making the Georgian nation proud. Due to civil unrest, the foundation was not laid until 1995. The final product combines traditional Georgian ecclesiastical styles with subtle modern influences, reflecting the country鈥檚 balance between heritage and progress. The chosen site, once home to an old Armenian cemetery destroyed during Soviet rule, added layers of historical resonance.
Local memory often recalls the day of the cathedral鈥檚 consecration in 2004, when thousands of citizens climbed the hill to witness the ceremony. Many carried candles, shielding the flames from the wind as the Patriarch blessed the new church. As the third tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral worldwide, it clearly became a reference point for the rebirth of the Georgian spirit. Now it is all yours to see.
Sameba remains not only a place of worship but a cultural landmark. Tourists can explore its grand interior, illuminated by soft natural light and frescoes depicting Georgian saints and kings, or stroll the surrounding gardens and terraces offering panoramic views of Tbilisi.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tbilisi. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi on Map
Sight Name: Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi
Sight Location: Tbilisi, Georgia (See walking tours in Tbilisi)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Tbilisi, Georgia (See walking tours in Tbilisi)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Tbilisi, Georgia
Create Your Own Walk in Tbilisi
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tbilisi is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rustaveli Avenue Walking Tour
If Tbilisi is the heart of Georgia, then Rustaveli Avenue is its pulse. As the capital's main artery, the importance 鈥� historical, cultural, or architectural 鈥� of this vibrant and bustling thoroughfare is hard to overestimate.
Named after the renowned medieval Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli, the avenue starts from Freedom Square 鈥� a key downtown landmark, home to the iconic statue of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Named after the renowned medieval Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli, the avenue starts from Freedom Square 鈥� a key downtown landmark, home to the iconic statue of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tbilisi Introduction Walking Tour
American writer John Steinbeck was highly inspired by a full moon, as he loved the mystery it brought to any streetscape. After visiting Tbilisi, he did not hold back, calling the city 鈥瀏host-ridden鈥�. He loved its cryptic atmosphere, shaped by centuries of change.
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, sits gracefully on both banks of the Kura River, framed by the rolling foothills of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, sits gracefully on both banks of the Kura River, framed by the rolling foothills of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles