Lower Bethlehemi Church, Armenian monastery in Old Tbilisi, Georgia
The Lower Bethlehemi Church is an Armenian monastery located at the base of Narikala Fortress in Tbilisi. The building displays typical features of Armenian religious architecture with stone walls and forms that reflect different construction periods spanning several centuries.
The monastery was founded in 1868 as an Armenian religious site during that period. In 1988 it transferred to Georgian Orthodox Church administration, marking a significant shift in how the place was managed and used spiritually.
This place shows how Armenians and Georgians have shared religious spaces over centuries through the building and its current use. You can observe how both communities have left their marks on the structure and its spiritual meaning.
This is an active religious site, so visitors should dress appropriately and behave respectfully inside. Checking opening hours beforehand and moving quietly helps ensure you can experience the place peacefully.
The walls show construction marks from different centuries, with visible changes in stone work and building techniques as you look closely. These layers tell how the building was rebuilt and enlarged over time as needs changed.
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