Where is Sioni Cathedral, and what is it known for?
Tbilisi's Sioni and other ancient churches with the name.
Short answer
The main Sioni Cathedral stands in Old Tbilisi on Sioni Street near the Kura embankment and is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin. It keeps St Nino's grapevine cross, one of Georgia's holiest relics. Other ancient churches share the name, such as the 5th-century Bolnisi Sioni and Ateni Sioni near Gori.
Why
- Tbilisi's Sioni was founded in the 6th-7th centuries and rebuilt many times after destruction.
- Before Sameba was built, Sioni was Tbilisi's main cathedral.
- Bolnisi Sioni is known for one of the oldest dated Georgian inscriptions.
Details
Tbilisi's Sioni is a working church, so follow the dress code: shoulders and knees covered, and a headscarf for women. It is a few minutes' walk from the Abanotubani baths and the Bridge of Peace.
People also ask
- Where is Sioni Cathedral?
Sources
Information checked on October 3, 2026.
Sioni Cathedral in TbilisiRelated questions
-
When did Georgians adopt Christianity, and did they ever change faith?
Christianity became the state religion of the Georgian kingdom of Kartli in the first half of the 4th century, usually dated to 326 or 337, when St Nino converted King Mirian III.
-
Where are the relics of St Nino in Georgia?
St Nino is buried at Bodbe Monastery in Kakheti, about 2 kilometres from Sighnaghi; her tomb is inside the monastery church.
-
What is the Georgian cross, and who converted Georgia to Christianity?
Georgia was converted by St Nino, a preacher from Cappadocia, who brought King Mirian III to Christianity in the 4th century.
-
What is the religion of Georgia?
Most people in Georgia are Orthodox Christians of the Georgian Orthodox Church, about 83 percent according to the 2014 census.