Sameba Cathedral, Tbilisi: Holy Trinity Cathedral Visitor Guide
Sameba Cathedral at a glance
- Name: Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, known as Sameba (“Trinity”)
- Built: construction began in 1995 and was completed in 2004
- Location: Elia hill, left bank of the Kura (Mtkvari), Avlabari
- Size: the tallest church in Georgia and among the tallest Orthodox cathedrals in the world
- Meaning: built to mark 1,500 years of the independence of the Georgian church
- Getting there: a short walk from Avlabari metro station
- Time needed: about an hour
Facts about the cathedral come from Wikipedia, Wikivoyage and Advantour.
Why visit Sameba?
Few buildings say as much about modern Georgia as Sameba. After independence, the country decided to build a new main cathedral for Tbilisi, and the result is a vast church in traditional Georgian style, with a strong vertical emphasis and a golden cross-topped dome that you will notice from many parts of the city. It was built to mark 1,500 years of the independence of the Georgian church, which makes it a symbol of both faith and national revival.
For visitors, Sameba is a chance to see a working Orthodox cathedral on a grand scale: the bells, the icons, the candles and, if you come at the right time, a service with Georgian polyphonic chant. It is a very different experience from the small medieval churches of the Old Town, and the two complement each other well.
The building and its setting
The cathedral stands on Elia hill, which rises above the left bank of the Kura (Mtkvari) river in the historic neighbourhood of Avlabari. Construction began in 1995 and the cathedral was completed in 2004. It is the tallest church in Georgia and among the tallest Orthodox cathedrals in the world, and its terraces, gardens and bell tower make the complex feel like a small town of its own.
Inside, the scale is just as impressive: a lofty central space, gilded icons and painted walls. Photography rules can vary, so look for signs or ask before taking pictures, and never photograph people praying without permission.
How to get to Sameba
Sameba is in Avlabari, on the opposite bank of the river from the Old Town. The easiest way is the metro: from Avlabari metro station it is a short walk uphill to the cathedral. You can also walk from Old Tbilisi across the river, or take a taxi to the gates.
| Option | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Metro to Avlabari | Most visitors | A short uphill walk from the station |
| Walk from the Old Town | Combining sights on foot | Cross the river; allow extra time |
| Taxi | Families, older travellers | Drops you close to the entrance |
Around the cathedral
Avlabari is one of Tbilisi’s old neighbourhoods, and a walk around the cathedral is a good way to see a quieter side of the city. From the hill you can wander down towards the river and Rike Park, where the cable car leaves for the ridge beside Narikala Fortress. In the evening the cathedral is lit up, and the view of its illuminated dome from the Old Town side is one of the classic images of Tbilisi, so it is worth planning your visit for late afternoon.
Visiting tips and church etiquette
- Dress code: covered shoulders and knees; women usually cover their hair, and scarves are often available at the entrance.
- Behaviour: speak quietly, do not walk in front of people praying, and keep to the side during services.
- Timing: mornings are calm; weekend and holiday services are busy and atmospheric.
- Special days: on major church feasts, such as Giorgoba on 23 November, expect large crowds.
- Combine: after Sameba, cross the river to the Old Town and climb to Narikala Fortress for the view back towards the cathedral.
More of Georgia’s great churches
Sameba is the modern counterpart to Georgia’s ancient cathedrals. Just outside Tbilisi, in the old capital Mtskheta, stands Svetitskhoveli, one of the most important churches in the country; our Svetitskhoveli Cathedral guide explains its history. Mtskheta makes an easy half-day trip from Tbilisi by private car with driver. See live prices for your date on this page; the price is shown per vehicle before you book.
See drivers and live prices: Tbilisi to Mtskheta
Planning your days in the capital? Our four-day Tbilisi guide fits Sameba into a full itinerary.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Sameba Cathedral?
The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, a large Georgian Orthodox cathedral built between 1995 and 2004 on Elia hill above the Kura river.
How tall is Sameba?
It is the tallest church in Georgia and among the tallest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Published height figures differ between sources.
Where is Sameba Cathedral?
In the historic Avlabari neighbourhood on the left bank of the Kura (Mtkvari), a short walk from Avlabari metro station.
Why was Sameba built?
To mark 1,500 years of the independence of the Georgian church; it is often seen as a symbol of modern Georgia.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Cover shoulders and knees; women usually cover their hair. Scarves are often available at the entrance.
How long should I spend there?
About an hour for the cathedral and the grounds. Combine it with the Old Town and Narikala Fortress across the river.
Checked on 29 October 2026. Sources: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage and Advantour.
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