The riddle of history the oldest settlement on the territory of Tbilisi, Metekhi, was founded by Tsar Vakhtang Gorgasali.

History.

The very name “Metekhi” translates as “around the palace” - and it is not surprising, because it was around the lord's castle that this area was erected and inhabited, in which the residential buildings of ordinary people and local nobility were located. For a long time, the presented territory was the haven of the representations of the surrounding rulers. The history of this area is strewn with historical precedents of its busy life.

In 1819, the fortress was turned into a prison. From 1934 to 1943, the castle housed an art museum. In 1959, the castle was destroyed, under the motivation of construction Metekhi Bridge across the river. 2 years later, the square in front of the temple was decorated with a sculpture of Vakhtang Gorgasali riding a horse.

In the 12th century, according to local traditions, Tsar Vakhtang erected a church here called the "Metekhi Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God”. According to some reports, Queen Tamara once spent time here praying. In 7 centuries, military dormitories of the Cossack regiment were located in the church, then the religious building was almost completely destroyed. In 1974, all the walls and partitions were destroyed. In 1988, the state took the object under protection and restored the church and returned the church to the Georgian people, at the moment it works and accepts parishioners.

There is a belief that in the 8th century, Saint Abo of Tbilisi died a painful death right in this fortress, which was later ascended to the faces of the saints of Georgia. Having secretly baptized and converted to Christianity, he returned to Tbilisi to preach Christianity to the Arabs. For this act, he was detained by the companions of the Arab emir and was thrown into a dungeon, which was made of a fortress, and subsequently executed by beheading and burned.

The dominant attraction of Georgia, in particular this area of Tbilisi, is the picturesque Church of the Assumption, created in 1278-1284, on the ridge of rocky Mountain during the reign of Tsar Demeter II. Also, a bridge was built across the Kura River, named after the “Metekhi Bridge" district. Near this area there are wonderful views of many business cards and there is something view in Georgia - To Old Tbilisi, Narikala Fortress, Abanotubani, to the Bridge of Peace, to Rike Park.