Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral, Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Old Tbilisi, Georgia
Sioni Cathedral stands on the right bank of the Mtkvari River, built from light-colored tuff stone with two bell towers and a central dome that shapes the skyline. Inside, the building houses numerous religious artworks and sacred objects accumulated over many centuries.
Construction began in the 6th century under Guaram Kurapalat and was completed in the 620s during Adarnase's reign, making this one of Georgia's oldest religious buildings. Over the centuries it suffered damage from warfare and natural events, yet was repeatedly rebuilt and restored.
This cathedral serves as a gathering place where worshippers mark religious celebrations and daily prayers together. It reflects how faith remains woven into the rhythm of city life through ongoing spiritual practices and community occasions.
The building sits in the old quarter by the river and is easy to reach on foot, especially when exploring nearby historic streets. Visitors should know that services happen regularly, so some areas may be off limits at times, and appropriate dress is expected inside.
The tombs of several Georgian Catholicos-Patriarchs lie beneath the building, speaking to this site's central spiritual role over time. A notable icon of the Mother of God made in Moscow in 1764 is kept here, showing the religious connections between different Orthodox centers.
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