Metekhi Church

Metekhi Church tickets: which one to buy

The Metekhi church stands on a rocky cliff above the Mtkvari river in Tbilisi, facing the old town across the water, and it is one of the most recognisable views of the Georgian capital. Entry is free. The church is a short walk across the Metekhi bridge from the old town and the sulphur baths district, and walking tours of Tbilisi usually pass it on the way to the Narikala fortress, the cable car and the Rike park.

The equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi, stands on the cliff edge beside the church and is the classic photo spot. The church is an active Georgian Orthodox place of worship: women should cover their heads and wear skirts, which are available at the entrance, and men should not wear shorts. Services are held regularly, with singing. The walk up from the bridge is short but steep, and the path is paved all the way. Photography inside the church is generally discouraged during services.

Visiting Metekhi Church: what to see

According to tradition, the first church here was built in the fifth century by King Vakhtang Gorgasali, next to his palace; the present church was built between 1278 and 1284 under King Demetre II, and it has been damaged and restored many times during invasions. It is a cross-dome church of brick and stone, with a sturdy form and a conical dome. Under Russian and Soviet rule the church was used as a prison and later as a theatre, and it was returned to the Georgian Orthodox Church in the late 1980s.

Inside, the church is dim and atmospheric, with icons, candles and the tomb of Saint Shushanik, an early Georgian martyr. The views from the terrace outside take in the old town, the sulphur baths with their domed roofs, the Narikala fortress on the hill and the modern Peace Bridge. The eastern facade overlooking the river has decorated windows and stone carvings that survived the many restorations.

Metekhi Church opening hours and the best time to go

The church is open daily. Mornings are quiet, and evening is a lovely time to visit, when the old town lights come on and the views over the river are beautiful. Tbilisi is hot in summer and cold in winter; spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons. Tbilisoba, the city festival in October, fills the streets with celebrations. Orthodox Easter and Christmas, on the Georgian calendar, bring large congregations and night services.

The sulphur baths below make a relaxing stop after walking. Allow about twenty minutes at the church, and continue on foot along the river or up to the fortress by cable car. Boat trips on the river leave from a pier below Rike park and pass directly beneath the cliff with the church. The Peace Bridge, a glass and steel footbridge below the old town, is lit with changing patterns after dark.