Metekhi Church

High above the river in Tbilisi, near the old town cliffs, stands Metekhi Church — one of the city’s most symbolic and emotional landmarks.

According to legend, this area was once the site of royal residences, and the church became a spiritual guardian of Tbilisi.

Built in the 13th century, it has survived invasions, destruction, and political turmoil, standing quietly over the Mtkvari River as generations of people passed below.

The church also carries painful memories. During different periods of foreign domination, it was damaged and even used for non-religious purposes. In the Soviet era, religious buildings across Georgia were suppressed, and Metekhi was not always treated as a sacred place. Yet the stone walls endured, protecting the spirit of the past.

Today, visitors come here for more than architecture. From the churchyard, you can see the old town, the river, and the modern city blending together — a view that tells the story of Georgia itself: ancient, resilient, and proud.

Metekhi Church is not just a monument. It is the silent heart of old Tbilisi, watching the city grow while remembering its history.