Church of St. Nicholas, Tbilisi, Orthodox church at Narikala Fortress, Tbilisi, Georgia
The Church of St. Nicholas sits inside Narikala Fortress and features a cone-shaped dome with traditional Georgian architectural details. The building fits compactly within the fortress walls, with a simple structure designed to serve the spiritual needs of those within the fortification.
The original building from the 1300s suffered major damage when Russian forces turned it into a munitions storage in 1818 and an explosion destroyed much of it. The church was later rebuilt and stands today as a reminder of that turbulent period.
The walls inside hold frescoes that mix biblical scenes with moments from Georgian history, blending religious faith and national identity in one space. This combination tells stories that matter to both the faith and the nation.
The easiest way to reach the church is by cable car from Rike Park up to Narikala Fortress, which saves you from climbing a steep hill. The ride also gives you views of the city as you make your way up.
Digs near the church uncovered four ancient tombs and remains of secret tunnels that connected to a royal palace complex beneath the fortress. These hidden passages show how important this place was across different periods of time.
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