The Church of Saint Sameba stands in the western part of the Sapichkhia Cemetery in Kutaisi, on a hill approximately two kilometers southeast of the Colchis Fountain. The cemetery is active and hosts burials, not just a historical landmark, so it's recommended to visit in a calm mood and during daylight hours.
The building features a white tufa cladding, a light-colored stone that sets the church apart from the surrounding greenery. The church was built between 1906 and 1911 and reconsecrated in 1990 in the name of the Holy Trinity.
Read the blog about the temple that was born twice
📜 History and Facts
- Built between 1906 and 1911 according to the designs of engineer Sakharov
- Constructed by Greek craftsmen, a rarity for church construction in Kutaisi at that time
- Closed in 1939, services resumed in 1990 with a new consecration in the name of the Holy Trinity
🏛️ Architecture
- Cross-domed church made of white calcareous tufa
- The dome rests on four rectangular pillars
- Five tall windows provide ample daylight
⚰️ Sapichkhia Cemetery
- Active cemetery, opened in 1892
- Located on a hill overlooking the surroundings of Kutaisi
- A historical Jewish section has been preserved in a separate section of the cemetery
🧭 Where is it and how to get there
- 4th Tsminda Sameba Lane, Sapichkhia Cemetery, Kutaisi
- About 2 km southeast of the Colchis Fountain
💰 Paid or free
- Entrance to the cemetery and church is free
- The church may be closed in the evening; it's best to visit during the day.
