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Metekhi Church in Tbilisi: where is it and what is there to see?

A church on a cliff above the river in Old Tbilisi.

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Short answer

Metekhi Church stands on a cliff above the Mtkvari in Old Tbilisi, beside an equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, and the view of the city from its courtyard is one of the most breathtaking. King Demetre II built the present church in the 13th century on the foundations of a church of 480, a prison was built on the fortress site in 1819, and services resumed in the church in 1988.

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Why

  1. Metekhi is in the old part of Tbilisi, on a cliff above the Mtkvari.
  2. The church is named for the Holy Virgin Mary: Vakhtang Gorgasali began construction in the 5th century, and Demetre II built the present church in the 13th century.
  3. In the 12th century, under Queen Tamar, a royal castle and church stood there as part of the Metekhi fortress.

Details

Metekhi fits well into a walk through the Old Town, see the day plans in what to see in Tbilisi in 1, 3 or 5 days. Overview: what to see in Tbilisi. Where the center is: the center of Tbilisi. In 1819 General Yermolov ordered the fortress destroyed and a prison was built that damaged the church; the prison was demolished in 1933, and in 1937 the authorities considered demolishing the church too but backed down. Check visiting hours on site. It is an active church, so dress modestly.

Tip

For the view, go to the Metekhi courtyard: it offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas of Old Tbilisi.

What may differ

Check visiting arrangements for the church on site, as they may change.

Common misconception

King Vakhtang Gorgasali built the Metekhi church.

What actually happens

No. Vakhtang Gorgasali began construction in the 5th century, and Demetre II built the present church in the 13th century on the foundations of a church of 480.

People also ask

  • Where is Metekhi Church in Tbilisi?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Schedules and rules change, so check the official website.

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