Anchiskhati Basilica, Tbilisi: The City’s Oldest Church
Anchiskhati at a glance
- What: the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi
- Built: in the reign of King Dachi, successor of Vakhtang Gorgasali
- Dedication: originally to the Virgin Mary
- Name: Anchiskhati, after the Ancha icon brought here in the 17th century
- The icon today: displayed in the Georgian art museum in Tbilisi
- Architecture: a three-span basilica
- Time needed: 20 to 30 minutes
Facts about the church come from Wikipedia, Wikivoyage and Advantour.
Why visit Anchiskhati?
Many visitors walk past it without realising what it is. Tucked into a quiet street of the Old Town, Anchiskhati is the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi, older than almost everything else you will see in the city. Its plain stone walls and modest size are a striking contrast to the grand modern cathedral of Sameba across the river, and that contrast is exactly why it is worth a visit.
Inside, the atmosphere is calm and intimate. It is an active church, and if you come at service time you may hear Georgian polyphonic chant, which Anchiskhati is particularly known for.
A short history
The church was built in the reign of King Dachi, the successor of Vakhtang Gorgasali, at the time when Tbilisi was becoming the capital. It was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Over the following centuries it was damaged in wars and rebuilt several times, and its appearance changed with each restoration.
Its present name dates from the 17th century. A treasured icon of the Saviour from the Ancha monastery, in the historic Georgian lands to the south-west, was brought to Tbilisi to keep it safe, and the church became known as Anchiskhati, the “icon of Ancha”. The icon itself is now displayed in the Georgian art museum in Tbilisi, so you can see both on the same day.
The building
Anchiskhati is a three-span basilica: a long, simple hall divided into three parts, a form typical of Georgia’s earliest churches. Next to it stands a brick bell tower. Look for the stone details on the facades and the painted interior, which mostly dates from later restorations.
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Plan | A three-span basilica, one of the oldest church forms in Georgia |
| Name | Anchiskhati, “icon of Ancha”, given in the 17th century |
| The icon | Now in the Georgian art museum in Tbilisi |
| Atmosphere | Small, quiet and active; services with polyphonic singing |
How to get there
Anchiskhati is in the Old Town, on Ioane Shavteli Street, a short walk from Freedom Square metro station. It fits naturally into a walk through the Old Town: from Freedom Square down towards the river, past the clock tower area and on to the sulfur baths.
A simple half-day plan
Start in the morning at Anchiskhati, while the street is still quiet, and spend half an hour inside and around the bell tower. Then walk to the Georgian art museum to see the Ancha icon that gave the church its name; seeing the two together makes the story much easier to follow. After lunch in the Old Town, cross the river to Metekhi Church, then take the path or the cable car up to Narikala Fortress for the view over the rooftops you have just walked through. In the evening, Sameba Cathedral shows how far Georgian church building has come since Anchiskhati was built.
Visiting tips
- Dress code: covered shoulders and knees; women usually cover their hair.
- Services: keep quiet and do not take photos during services.
- Combine: see the Anchi icon at the art museum on the same day, then walk to Metekhi Church and climb to Narikala Fortress. Compare the old and the new at Sameba Cathedral.
- Timing: mornings are quiet; weekends bring more worshippers.
Beyond Tbilisi
If early churches and ancient history interest you, the cave town of Uplistsikhe near Gori is one of the oldest settlements in Georgia and an easy day trip from the capital. A private car with driver lets you combine it with Gori on the way and come back the same day; our Tbilisi to Uplistsikhe transfer guide explains the route. See live prices for your date on this page; the price is shown per vehicle before you book.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the oldest church in Tbilisi?
Anchiskhati Basilica is the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi. It was built in the reign of King Dachi, the successor of Vakhtang Gorgasali.
Why is it called Anchiskhati?
The name means icon of Ancha. In the 17th century a treasured icon of the Saviour from the Ancha monastery was brought here.
Where is the Anchi icon now?
It is displayed in the Georgian art museum in Tbilisi.
Where is Anchiskhati?
In the Old Town on Ioane Shavteli Street, a short walk from Freedom Square metro station.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Cover shoulders and knees; women usually cover their hair. Keep quiet during services.
How long should I spend there?
About 20 to 30 minutes. Combine it with a walk through the Old Town to Metekhi Church and Narikala Fortress.
Checked on 31 October 2026. Sources: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage and Advantour.
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