Metekhi Church, Tbilisi: History, Views & Visiting Tips
Metekhi Church at a glance
- Where: on a cliff above the Mtkvari (Kura) river, opposite the Old Town
- In front: the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, founder of Tbilisi
- Tradition: site of a fortress and royal residence; burial place of Saint Shushanik
- 19th century: the site was turned into a prison
- Soviet era: the building was used as a theatre
- Today: returned to the Georgian Orthodox Church in the late 1980s, an active church
- Time needed: 30 to 45 minutes
History and visitor facts come from Wikipedia, Advantour and Eurasia Travel.
Why visit Metekhi?
Metekhi is one of the most photographed views in Tbilisi: a stone church on a rocky cliff above the river, with the domes of the sulfur baths and the walls of Narikala on the opposite bank. Standing on its terrace, you see the whole historic heart of the city at once, which makes it a perfect first stop to understand how Tbilisi grew around the river.
The church is also a place with a remarkable story. Few buildings in the city have been a royal stronghold, a prison, a theatre and a church again, and all of that history is still readable in its thick stone walls.
A short history
By tradition, King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi, built a fortress and a royal residence on this cliff, and the name Metekhi is linked to the area around the palace. Tradition also holds that the 5th-century martyr Saint Shushanik, one of the earliest saints of the Georgian church, was buried here.
The church you see today has been damaged and restored many times. In the 19th century, under Russian rule, the surrounding fortifications were replaced and the site was turned into a prison. In the Soviet period the building survived calls for its demolition and was used as a theatre. In the late 1980s, after a popular campaign and a full restoration, it was returned to the Georgian Orthodox Church and is again an active place of worship.
The statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali
In front of the church stands the bronze equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi. Legend says the king decided to build a city here after a hunt led him to the warm springs below, the same springs that feed the sulfur baths today. The statue, with the king raising his arm over the river, is one of the city’s best-known images and a natural photo spot.
How to get there
Metekhi is on the left bank of the river, a short walk from the Old Town across Metekhi Bridge, and close to Avlabari metro station. It also fits naturally into a walk between the sulfur baths, Rike Park and the Bridge of Peace.
| From | How | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town and sulfur baths | On foot across Metekhi Bridge | The view back to the Old Town is best from the terrace |
| Avlabari metro | A short walk downhill | Combine with Sameba Cathedral on the same hill |
| Rike Park | On foot along the river | Continue to the Bridge of Peace and the cable car |
Visiting tips
- Dress code: covered shoulders and knees; women usually cover their hair.
- Services: it is an active church; keep quiet and do not take photos during services.
- Best light: late afternoon and evening, when the cliff and the Old Town are lit up.
- Combine: cross to the Old Town for Narikala Fortress and the sulfur baths, walk along the river to the Bridge of Peace, or go up to Sameba Cathedral.
Beyond Tbilisi
Once you have explored the capital, a classic day out is Sighnaghi in Kakheti, the hilltop town with old walls and views over the Alazani valley. A private car with driver lets you add wineries or Bodbe Monastery on the way and come back the same evening. 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
Where is Metekhi Church?
On a cliff above the Mtkvari (Kura) river in Tbilisi, opposite the Old Town and Narikala Fortress, a short walk from Avlabari metro.
Whose statue stands in front of Metekhi Church?
The equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi.
Was Metekhi really a prison?
Yes. In the 19th century the site was turned into a prison, and in Soviet times the building was used as a theatre.
Is Metekhi an active church today?
Yes. It was returned to the Georgian Orthodox Church in the late 1980s and is again a place of worship.
Who is buried at Metekhi?
Tradition holds that the 5th-century martyr Saint Shushanik was buried here.
What should I wear?
Covered shoulders and knees; women usually cover their hair. Keep quiet during services.
Checked on 30 October 2026. Sources: Wikipedia, Advantour and Eurasia Travel.
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