Metekhi Church, Tbilisi
The Metekhi Church of the Assumption is one of Tbilisi鈥檚 most historically significant and visually captivating landmarks. Its commanding position atop a cliff overlooking the Kura River makes it a symbol of the city鈥檚 deep Christian roots. According to tradition, the original church was founded in the 5th century by King Vakhtang I Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi, who also established his royal residence nearby. The current structure, however, dates back to the 13th century, during the reign of King Demetrius II of Georgia, after earlier versions were destroyed by invasions and fires.
Throughout the centuries, Metekhi Church has witnessed much of Georgia鈥檚 turbulent history. It served not only as a place of worship but also as a fortress due to its strategic position above the river. During the Russian imperial period, the church compound was repurposed 鈥� at one point even turned into a prison 鈥� and suffered significant damage. Restoration efforts in the 20th century helped return it to its original religious function.
Architecturally, Metekhi is a classic example of Georgian medieval design, featuring a cross-in-square layout built from reddish-brown tuff stone, with a dome rising above a rectangular base. Its simplicity and harmony reflect the spiritual austerity characteristic of Georgian ecclesiastical art.
The church鈥檚 clifftop terrace provides one of the best panoramic views of Tbilisi鈥檚 Old Town, the Bridge of Peace, and Rike Park below. Nearby stands the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, who gazes toward the city he founded. Together, the church and statue form a timeless tableau that beautifully captures the soul of Tbilisi.
Throughout the centuries, Metekhi Church has witnessed much of Georgia鈥檚 turbulent history. It served not only as a place of worship but also as a fortress due to its strategic position above the river. During the Russian imperial period, the church compound was repurposed 鈥� at one point even turned into a prison 鈥� and suffered significant damage. Restoration efforts in the 20th century helped return it to its original religious function.
Architecturally, Metekhi is a classic example of Georgian medieval design, featuring a cross-in-square layout built from reddish-brown tuff stone, with a dome rising above a rectangular base. Its simplicity and harmony reflect the spiritual austerity characteristic of Georgian ecclesiastical art.
The church鈥檚 clifftop terrace provides one of the best panoramic views of Tbilisi鈥檚 Old Town, the Bridge of Peace, and Rike Park below. Nearby stands the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, who gazes toward the city he founded. Together, the church and statue form a timeless tableau that beautifully captures the soul of Tbilisi.
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Metekhi Church on Map
Sight Name: Metekhi Church
Sight Location: Tbilisi, Georgia (See walking tours in Tbilisi)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tbilisi, Georgia (See walking tours in Tbilisi)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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.
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
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