Metekhi Church of the Nativity

About this activity

The Metekhi Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos is one of the most important and well-known landmarks in Tbilisi, Georgia. It sits dramatically on top of the high Metekhi cliff, looking out over the Mtkvari River and giving visitors iconic views of Tbilisi’s Old Town (Kala). For hundreds of years, its high position has made it a silent witness to the city’s troubled past. It has been a royal residence, a fortress, a notorious prison, and, most importantly, a place of Christian worship.

Local legend says that King Vakhtang Gorgasali built the first church on this important site in the 5th century AD. He is known as the founder of Tbilisi. However, the building that can be seen today is mostly from the 13th century. Records from the past show that King Demetrius II Tavdadebuli (“the Self-Sacrificing”) rebuilt it between 1278 and 1289. It is built mostly out of brick and is an example of the classic Georgian cross-dome style that was popular in the Middle Ages.

The history of Metekhi Church is closely tied to the defense and control of Tbilisi. It was part of a bigger royal complex that had a palace and a fortress. It was often damaged during invasions, most famously by the Mongols in 1235 and later by the Persians. Georgian kings rebuilt and restored it many times. Tradition says that St. Shushanik died as a martyr on the cliff in the 5th century and St. Abo Tbileli died as a martyr there in the 8th century, which adds to the religious significance of the place.

The Russian Empire tore down the fortress around the church and turned the area into a barracks complex. The church itself was damaged in the process. During the Soviet era, Georgian intellectuals, led by the artist Dimitri Shevardnadze, worked hard to save the church from being torn down. For a long time, the site was home to the infamous Metekhi Prison, which gives its history a dark tone. The church was only given back to the Georgian Orthodox Church and reconsecrated in 1988, near the end of the Soviet Union.

Today, Metekhi Church is an active place of worship and a powerful symbol of Tbilisi’s strength and Georgia’s long-lasting Orthodox faith. It stands next to the impressive equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali. It is an important place to learn about the city’s spirit and history because of its famous location, rich history, and unique architecture.

Basic Identification

• Full Name: Metekhi Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos (მეტეხის ღვთისმშობლის შობის ტაძარი – Metekhis Ghvtismshoblis Shobis Tadzari). People also call it the Metekhi Church.
• Type: Georgian Orthodox Church.
• Location: On the left bank of the Mtkvari River, on the Metekhi cliff, with a view of the Old Tbilisi district (Kala). In the Avlabari neighborhood of Tbilisi, Georgia. Address: Metekhi Rise.

The Past

• Foundation: Tradition says that King Vakhtang Gorgasali built the first church and royal buildings on the site in the 5th century.
• Current Structure: King Demetrius II Tavdadebuli built the current church building between 1278 and 1289.

Important Dates and Events:

• 5th Century: Vakhtang Gorgasali is said to have founded the city; St. Shushanik is said to have died there.
• 8th Century: The site where St. Abo Tbileli died as a martyr is close by.
• 1235: The Mongol invasion probably destroyed the church.
• 1278-1289: King Demetrius II rebuilt it.
• 15th-18th Centuries: Damaged and repaired many times due to invasions, such as those by the Persians. A part of a royal fortress complex.
• Early 1800s: The Russian Empire took over and tore down the fortress. The area was then used for barracks.
• 19th-20th Centuries (until 1938): The site was home to the infamous Metekhi Prison.
• 1930s: The church was going to be torn down, but famous people saved it.
• Post-Prison Closure: Used for a number of non-religious purposes, such as theater workshops.
• 1988: Returned to the Georgian Orthodox Church and restored for religious use.

Historical Figures:

• King Vakhtang Gorgasali: The traditional founder.
• St. Shushanik: A martyr who is connected to the church.
• St. Abo Tbileli: A martyr who is also connected to the church.
• King Demetrius II Tavdadebuli: The builder of the current church.
• Dimitri Shevardnadze: An artist who protested the planned demolition.

Legends:

• The main legend is about how Vakhtang Gorgasali built the site.
• Traditions also strongly connect the place to the deaths of St. Shushanik and St. Abo.

Importance and Reason

• Religious Significance: Dedicated to the Virgin Mary’s birth. A Georgian Orthodox church that is still going strong. Historically and traditionally linked to Georgia’s early Christian martyrs.
• Culturally Important: A famous historical and architectural site in Tbilisi. It stands for the city’s long history, times when it was ruled by foreigners, its strength, and the return of faith. People often use its picture to stand for Tbilisi.
• Architectural Importance: This is a good example of Georgian cross-dome architecture from the 13th century. Compared to some other churches of the time, its unique architectural features are not as important as its historical significance and prominent location. Made mostly of bricks.
• Current Status: The Georgian Orthodox Church is open. A big tourist attraction and a place of cultural heritage.

A Description of the Art and Architecture

• Plan: The church features a typical Georgian cross-dome plan, which consists of a cross shape within a square. There is a central dome on top of a low drum that is supported from the inside.
• Materials: Made mostly of brick, with some stone used in the base.
• Facades: Compared to churches from the “Golden Age,” which were more ornate, the facades are pretty plain. The only decorations are brick patterns, window surrounds, and crosses set into the brickwork. It looks solid and strong, which makes sense because it was part of a fortress complex in the past.
• Inside: The interior follows the cross-dome layout, with four piers holding up the dome. The sanctuary is made up of an eastern apse. The church’s turbulent history and times of secular use (like as a prison) mean that few, if any, original medieval frescoes are still around. The active church has modern icons and an iconostasis.
• Artworks: There aren’t many original medieval artworks, like frescoes and important carvings that go beyond basic architectural elements. The building itself, in its historical and geographical context, is the main “artwork.” The inside is decorated with modern Orthodox icons.
• Complex: In the past, the church was part of a larger royal complex that included a palace and walls for a fortress. These are no longer around. The church is now on the cliff-top platform next to the big statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali on horseback (built in 1967).

Useful Information for Visitors

• Hours of Operation: Since it is an active church, it is usually open every day from morning (around 9:00 or 10:00 AM) to evening (around 6:00 or 7:00 PM). During services (Divine Liturgy, Vespers, etc.), access may be limited.
• Free Entry: No charge to get in. Donations are appreciated.
• Accessibility: The Avlabari district of central Tbilisi is where it is located, and it can be reached by road or foot via Metekhi Rise. There are steps that go up to the church platform and probably steps that go into the church itself. Could be hard for visitors who have trouble moving around. The platform has great views, but you have to go up or down stairs to get there.

Rules and Manners:

• Dress Code: The standard Georgian Orthodox dress code must be followed exactly: women must wear skirts or dresses that go below the knee and cover their heads, and men must wear long pants. Everyone must cover their shoulders. At the entrance, you can usually borrow scarves and wrap-around skirts.
• Photography and Videography: Usually allowed outside. It is often not allowed or only allowed with flash to take pictures inside the church. Always look for signs and follow the rules and the people who are worshiping.
• Behavior: Be quiet and polite at all times. It is a place of worship that is always busy.
• Facilities: There may be restrooms nearby, but they are probably not in the church itself. There are a lot of cafes, restaurants, and stores in the nearby Avlabari and Old Tbilisi areas. You can hire tour guides in Tbilisi.
• Service Times: There are regular Orthodox services. Visitors are welcome as long as they follow the dress code and behave appropriately. Service times are different, but they happen more often on weekends and feast days.