Metekhi church Religious Site

Address: Metekhi, Tbilisi, Georgia

Hours: Daily 9:00am-6:00pm (may vary for services)

Admission: Free (entry to the church precinct)

Metekhi Church is a Georgian Orthodox church set on a cliff on the left bank of the Kura (Mtkvari) River in central Tbilisi. The present church structure dates to the medieval period and the site is one of the city’s iconic riverside landmarks.

The cliff-top position gives clear views down to the river and across Old Tbilisi, and the church is often visited for these perspectives and its compact historic interior. The small plaza in front includes a statue commemorating an early Georgian king, and the approach is a short walk from central old-town streets.

The site has been a fortified and ecclesiastical location since the early medieval era and is traditionally linked with King Vakhtang I Gorgasali. The standing church is commonly dated to the 13th century; over time the complex has been rebuilt and repaired after periods of damage and changing use.

Metekhi sits on the left bank of the Kura River in the Avlabari/Old Tbilisi area, immediately below the Narikala fortress sector and within walking distance of the old town.

• Viewing point: Sits on a cliff above the Kura (Mtkvari) river and offers vantage points over Old Tbilisi and the river bend.
• Date and association: The present church building dates to the medieval period, commonly attributed to the 13th century, and the site is associated with King Vakhtang I Gorgasali in local tradition.

Metekhi Church is in central Tbilisi near the Rike Park funicular lower station. From Rustaveli Avenue it is a 10-20 minute walk downhill toward the river; taxis and marshrutkas serve central Tbilisi. The nearest metro station is Avlabari (a 15-20 minute walk).

• Arrive at dusk to hear the bells and to see the Tbilisi skyline light up behind the church.
• Respect worship times - services are held regularly and the site is active spiritually for locals.
• Climb the adjacent cliff walk for the best views over the Mtkvari (Kura) River and Old Tbilisi.