Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi Church

Address: Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), Tbilisi, Georgia

Website: https://sameba.ge/en

Admission: Free (church; donations customary)

The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, commonly known as Sameba, is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church located in Tbilisi. Construction began in the mid-1990s and the completed complex was consecrated in 2004.

The cathedral complex comprises a large central domed church with adjacent chapels and service buildings, designed to serve as a national cathedral and a seat of the Patriarchate. Interiors include traditional Orthodox iconography and large ceremonial spaces suitable for major liturgical events.

The site occupies a dominant hilltop position and provides panoramic views over central Tbilisi, making the complex visible from many parts of the city. It regularly hosts national religious ceremonies and large congregational services.

The cathedral was commissioned after Georgia regained independence in the 1990s as a national religious project for the Georgian Orthodox Church. Construction began in 1995 and the completed building was consecrated in 2004; the project combined modern construction techniques with traditional Georgian ecclesiastical forms.

Sameba sits on Elia Hill on the left bank of the Kura (Mtkvari) River in central Tbilisi, providing a prominent skyline position above the city and easy access from central districts.

• Construction dates: Construction began in 1995 and the cathedral complex was consecrated in 2004, making it one of the newest large national cathedrals in the Orthodox world.

What to See#

• Cathedral building: The main cathedral building with a large central dome and adjacent auxiliary chapels that together form the principal seat for the Georgian Orthodox Church.
• Patriarchal complex: Complex including a bell tower, administrative and residential buildings for the Patriarchate and facilities used for religious services and national ceremonies.

Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) sits on Elia Hill above Tbilisi’s Avlabari district. Take the Tbilisi Metro (Akhmeteli-Varketili line) to Avlabari station and walk uphill about 10-15 minutes (roughly 800-1,000 m) to the cathedral; taxis and city minibuses (marshrutkas) also serve the Avlabari area. By car it’s only a short drive from Tbilisi’s Old Town (a few kilometres) via Gagarin Street/Lezhava or the river embankment roads.

• Visit early on a weekday morning (shortly after opening) to avoid weekend and Sunday service crowds and to get softer light for photos of the plaza and city panorama.
• Approach via Avlabari metro station and follow the paved path up to the cathedral rather than trying to drive into the plaza-the walk is short and drops you at the main forecourt.
• Don't skip the cathedral terraces and viewpoints behind the main building: they give one of the best wide views over Tbilisi and are far less busy than the front steps during peak hours.