Holy Mother of God Church of Bethlehem, Armenian church in Old Tbilisi, Georgia.
The Holy Mother of God Church of Bethlehem is an Armenian church located in the old center of Tbilisi near the base of Narikala fortress. The building displays traditional Armenian architectural features within a tightly packed historic neighborhood of narrow lanes and traditional structures.
Construction began in 1727 under Priest Gregory and his grandson Barsegh, with funding later provided by Agha-Meliq Bebutyan upon his return from India. The building passed from Armenian to Georgian Orthodox ownership in 1994.
The church shows how Armenian and Georgian religious traditions came together in this space, visible in the decorative details and the way both communities have used it over time. Walking through the interior, you can see how these two cultures shaped its appearance and character.
The church sits at the end of a winding passageway in the old quarter, making it easy to miss if you are not looking carefully for signs. A local guide or tour can help you navigate the narrow streets and understand the space better.
Archaeological work in 1981 uncovered the original chapel basement beneath the current structure, revealing that the site had been built and rebuilt over different periods. This discovery showed that earlier layers of construction lay hidden underneath.
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