What is the Ateshgah Zoroastrian fire temple in Tbilisi?
An ancient Zoroastrian temple in old Tbilisi.
Short answer
Ateshgah is a Zoroastrian fire temple in old Tbilisi on Gomi Street, built in the Sasanian period, which is dated from 224 to 651 CE. The name comes from the Persian words atesh (fire) and gah (place). It is the northernmost Zoroastrian temple.
Why
- Fires were lit here with wood from orchards, so the embers gave off pleasant smells.
- From the 1720s the building served as a mosque, then as a storehouse and later as living space.
- In 2007–2009 ICOMOS rehabilitated the Betlemi district, and Ateshgah was restored and fitted with a temporary roof.
Details
It is a cube-shaped brick building whose dome has collapsed. The corners once had pilasters, the walls had double arches, and the interior walls have niches with pointed arches. You can enter from Gomi I Alley through a private courtyard.
Other places of the old town are close by, for example Sioni Cathedral. For the religions of the country read What is the religion in Georgia.
Tip
The entrance to Ateshgah is from Gomi I Alley through a private courtyard, so look up the entrance on a map beforehand and keep quiet in the yard.
What may differ
Access, hours and visiting rules may change, so check them locally or with local organisers before you go.
People also ask
- What is the Ateshgah fire temple in Tbilisi?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Check opening hours, access and visiting conditions locally.
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