Metekhi church, Orthodox church in Old Town, Georgia
Metekhi Church rises on a rocky outcrop above the Mtkvari River, built from stone with three semicircular apses on its eastern side. The structure sits compactly against the cliff, creating a fortress-like appearance from certain angles.
The structure dates from the 12th century and survived damage from Mongol invasions, followed by significant restorations in 1661 and 1748. These reconstruction efforts shaped the building into its present form.
The church honors a figure central to Georgian Orthodox tradition, and visitors sense the deep connection between the community and its spiritual heritage through daily worship and pilgrimage.
The site welcomes visitors daily and offers guided tours, with a simple dress code to follow. Plan time to enjoy the views from outside, as the setting overlooking the river is as interesting as the interior.
Between 1979 and 1988, the sacred building functioned as a state youth theater before returning to worship. This unusual transformation reflects the dramatic upheavals of the Soviet era.
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