Metekhi church 🇬🇪

Metekhi Church, formally known as the Metekhi church of the Nativity of the Mother of God, is a historic Georgian Orthodox Christian church perched atop the high Metekhi Cliff on the left bank of the Kura River, directly opposite Tbilisi's old town. Built between 1278 and 1289 AD under King Demetrius II, this cross-in-square stone monument stands seamlessly above the rock face to look like an extension of the cliff itself.

When you visit, you will encounter a vertically prolonged medieval structure featuring a unique eastern facade with three convex apses, traditional Georgian Golden Age rock engravings, and a central apse displaying an ornamented cross. Inside, four internal pillars support a dome with a restored tholobate, pointed arches from the 16th to 17th centuries, and an eastern portal entrance.

While original murals have been lost over time, you can view the moving icon of the 100000 martyrs, commemorating the citizens executed in 1226 during Jalal ad-Din's invasion. Having survived gunpowder storage, prison use, a Soviet theater era, and near-demolition, Metekhi offers you an authentic connection to Tbilisi's dramatic religious architecture and resilience.

What to see at Metekhi church

• Medieval cross-in-square architecture constructed between 1278 and 1289 AD
• Unique eastern facade featuring three convex apses and decorative rock engravings
• Moving icon detailing the historic account of the 100,000 martyrs from 1226
• Dramatic hilltop setting crafted to appear as a continuous extension of the cliff

Visiting tips

Examine the church facade to spot names scratched into the stone by prisoners from the era when the site served as a jail.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Metekhi church is easy to reach on Tbilisi’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Rustaveli Theatre and Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Tbilisi travel guide.