Metekhi Cathedral
Metekhi Cathedral
4.5
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The area
How to get there
- Avlabari • 6 min walk
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1,574 within 3 miles
Attractions
184 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Abhirup H.New Delhi, India389 contributionsBeautiful Georgian Cathedral net to Kura riverThe nice small church to visit during the daytime. Located next to the Kura river. A must visit place. Photography enthusiast, just keep in mind that photography is not allowed inside the church.Visited December 2023Traveled soloWritten April 30, 2024
- Coryy20Port of Spain, Trinidad6,365 contributionsSmall lonely-looking church on the hillThis church is perched at the edge of the hill near the Kura River. From the lower part of the city center you can clearly see this church and it looks a bit lonesome. It never appealed to me to visit, but I only admired from afar.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten June 18, 2024
- Milind ShahAhmedabad, India1,970 contributionsPeaceful and SereneMetekhi Church in Tbilisi is a must-visit for travellers. It offers breathtaking views from the church complex, which overlooks the Kura River and the old town. The architecture is also highly praiseworthy, with its cross-cupola design and the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali nearby. The church is steeped in history, dating back to the 12th century when it was part of a palace and fort complex used by King Vakhtang Gorgasali. Despite being a popular tourist spot, the church maintains a serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great place for reflection and relaxation. It's conveniently located and easily accessible, making it a great stop during a day of sightseeing in Tbilisi.Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten August 7, 2024
- ПолинаGeorgia3 contributionsBeautiful view of the Kura RiverShe recently visited Tbilisi and was able to visit Metekhi Fortress. This place is really impressive for its history and magnificent views of the city and the Kuro River! The fortress building itself has unique architecture and a walk through its territory leaves an unforgettable experience. I was pleasantly struck by how caringly maintained this historic landmark is. There are plenty of interesting places to photograph, and I couldn't resist taking some pictures against the picturesque landscapes. If you will be in Tbilisi, be sure to include the fortress of Metekhi in your itinerary – it is really worth it!Visited December 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten December 18, 2024
- Nubar JBaku, Azerbaijan25 contributionsVery beautiful cathedral next to the river, must visitVisiting this cathedral was very spontaneous as I was trying to go to the Mother of Georgia cable car station and I spotted the church on a hill almost inside of the river. The view from the front yard of the church is absolutely breathtaking, you feel like you are inside of the river. I also loved the icons facing the river outside as well as the icons inside, this is a must-see church for people interested in icons and church architecture.Visited January 2025Traveled soloWritten January 18, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Iolanda Guerra e Andrade
Lisbon, Portugal3,729 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
The cross- cupola Metekhi Church with the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali standing close by was impressive to look at from the outside. Because a service was being held, visiting its interior wasn' t allowed. The King is said to have erected it here in the 12th century as part of a Palace and fort complex used as his residence. Unfortunately due to the numerous attacks it endured throughout the years its renovated facade is no longer in the same material, once brick was used.
Written September 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisThomasTravels
Manama, Bahrain722 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
History buffs will love the artifacts and icons inside. Not to mention it's close proximity to the statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, perched above Tbilisi's Old Town. You can drive up to the church, but it is best to take a quick hike up instead and enjoy the fresh air.
Written November 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Israel R
Ra'anana, Israel16,761 contributions
Dec 2019
Metekhi Church, located in the ancient Metekhi district (in free translation - the area around the palace), is one of the most recommended sites in Tbilisi. The combination of the pulsating history with the gray stones and the magnificent view from the front of the church tower make it a must-visit for any tourist. Metekhi Church is one of the oldest churches built in Tbilisi. Legend has it that it was built by King Vakhtang Gorgasali who reigned in the fifth and sixth centuries. The original church was dedicated to St. Mary and was destroyed during the Mongol invasions. Several churches that were destroyed in different periods were rebuilt on its ruins. The current church is the latest reconstruction built on many layers of church ruins destroyed over the years. It is highly recommended not to miss the tour within it.
Written November 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TAIN2013
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia2,863 contributions
May 2019
The church located on a cliff on the left bank of the Kura river is said to be oldest in the city. The current structure dates back to the thirteenth century. It was built on the remains of an earlier church constructed by King Vakhtang Gorgasali which was destroyed during the Mongol Invasion.
The church is built in the shape of a cross and is rather small and simple. There is an equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali in front of the church. A narrow path leads down from the church to the Kura river and is home to several smaller structures. The path is however closed to visitors. A small garden at the back of the church overlooks the Rhike park. The church grounds offer great views over the old town across the river.
The church is worth visiting for its historical value and the great views it offers. Its location across the river from the Old Town makes it easily accessible.
The church is built in the shape of a cross and is rather small and simple. There is an equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali in front of the church. A narrow path leads down from the church to the Kura river and is home to several smaller structures. The path is however closed to visitors. A small garden at the back of the church overlooks the Rhike park. The church grounds offer great views over the old town across the river.
The church is worth visiting for its historical value and the great views it offers. Its location across the river from the Old Town makes it easily accessible.
Written March 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hasanberkay
Tekirdag, Türkiye716 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The church is one of the oldest churches in Tbilisi. It is located on a small hill above the Kura River. You can take beautiful pictures of the view of Tbilisi from this hill. The interior of the church is like ordinary Orthodox Churches. There is a cute little and well-kept garden behind it. You can also take beautiful pictures from this garden. Since the church is on the hill, you have to climb a bit on the way out, which can be tiring.

Written November 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ErkiBear
London, UK388 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Very close to our hotel, we popped in on Sunday morning at it was packed. Our first Georgian church experience, it was very atmospheric, chaotic and very unlike European churches! Make sure you are suitably dressed with long skirt and headscarf to not offend.
Written October 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Татьяна
Perm, Russia12,835 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
The Metekhi fortress and temple are located on a cliff above the Kura River and are considered one of the “calling cards” of Tbilisi. This cultural monument has a difficult path. In 1988, the temple was returned to believers.

Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wilfred W
Manchester, UK10 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
I visited this Cathedral in November 2023 with my girlfriend. The cathedral and the surroundings are mesmerizing from the outside but the inside was actually quite disappointing I must say. However, it still remains something to see, since it is in the heart of the city. Great views from there as well on old town.
Written January 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
COYDRCOY
Izmir, Türkiye101 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
At most a hundred metres square indoors,repair gong on outside,poor but 800 years old religious paintings on inside walls,covering hairs of ladies is very highly recommended by agressive looks and explained by tradition when asked,viewing to the old city direction is the only advice
Written November 29, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
archil a
Tbilisi, Georgia677 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
It stands on the Metekhi cliff, which is located in the historic center of Tbilisi, in the same place near the monument to Vakhtang Gorgasal. Generally it refers to a rock Avlabari district, although in fact closer to the Old Town. This place - the geographic center of the city, convenient to count on his mileage. It's a good lookout. Cool place, especially in the evening and at night. It is illuminated with lights, making it a romantic place.
Written February 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Подскажите, до какого часа открыт для посещения храм?
Written March 21, 2019
Храм открыт каждый день с 9:00 до 17:00
Written March 22, 2019
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