Anchiskhati Basilica
Religious Site Oldest surviving church in Tbilisi
Tbilisi’s Anchiskhati Basilica, one of the city’s oldest churches from the early Middle Ages, draws visitors for its medieval architecture, Orthodox icons and location in the old town arts quarter.
Anchiskhati Basilica is the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi, Georgia, with origins traditionally dated to the 6th century and named for the Anchiskhati icon. It is one of the city’s most historic ecclesiastical structures and a well-known landmark of the old town.
Inside the church visitors encounter a compact, single-nave basilica plan with later-period architectural and decorative additions, and the celebrated Anchiskhati icon that gave the church its name. The interior contains fresco fragments and elements from multiple restoration phases.
The basilica was founded in the early medieval period and has undergone several reconstructions and restorations over the centuries, reflecting the changing fortunes of Tbilisi and the Georgian Orthodox Church. It remained an active parish church and a focal point for devotional practice through successive historical periods.
The church stands in Tbilisi’s historic centre on a main street of the old city and is easily reached on foot from other central landmarks. Its location places it within the dense urban fabric of Georgia’s capital.
How to Get to Anchiskhati Basilica #
Anchiskhati Basilica is in Tbilisi’s Old Town on Anchiskhati Street near Freedom (Tavisuplebis) Square. It is a short walk from central Tbilisi - about 5-10 minutes from Freedom Square and roughly 10-15 minutes on foot from the Rustaveli avenue/metro area. The site is easily reached by central city buses, taxis or on foot when exploring the historic downtown.
Tips for Visiting Anchiskhati Basilica #
- Visit early or late in the day to enjoy the basilica's interior atmosphere away from midday tourist groups in Old Tbilisi.
- Check service times before visiting-Anchiskhati is an active church and parts of the interior may be closed during liturgies.
- Combine a visit with nearby Old Town highlights (Sioni Cathedral, Narikala fortress and the surrounding streets) since the basilica is centrally located and easy to include on a short walking route.
Best Time to Visit Anchiskhati Basilica #
Best visited in spring or early autumn for comfortable weather and lighter crowds when touring Anchiskhati Basilica and Tbilisi's old town.
Weather & Climate near Anchiskhati Basilica #
Anchiskhati Basilica's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (531 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. The driest month with just 22 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with 86 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
