Metekhi

A church on a cliff above the river, Metekhi is one of the most emblematic sights of Tbilisi, its compact stone form perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Kura opposite the old town and the sulphur baths. Beside it stands an equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the fifth-century monarch traditionally credited with founding the city.

The site has been sacred and strategic for many centuries. Tradition links it to the earliest days of Tbilisi, and a royal church and residence stood here in the Middle Ages. The present cross-domed church dates largely to the thirteenth century, rebuilt after Mongol destruction, though it too suffered damage and alteration over the centuries. Its position on the clifftop made it part of the city's defences, and in later periods the surrounding fortifications were used as a prison, including under Russian imperial and Soviet rule.

The church is a fine example of Georgian medieval design, with a tall central dome, restrained stone carving and the characteristic proportions of the national tradition. Restored to worship after the Soviet era, it remains an active church and a focus of civic pride, its silhouette and the Gorgasali statue appearing in countless images of the city.

For visitors Metekhi is free to enter and easily reached on foot across the Metekhi Bridge from Rike Park, or up from the old town. The terrace around the church and statue is one of the best vantage points for photographing the balconied houses of the old town, the baths and the Narikala fortress on the ridge opposite. Modest dress is expected inside. Its position makes it a natural link in a walking route that takes in the bridges, the baths at Abanotubani and the climb or cable car up to the citadel.