Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
Georgia's main cathedral, consecrated in 2004 on Elia Hill in Avlabari, with a gilded dome visible from across the city.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, known as Sameba, is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. It stands on Elia Hill in Avlabari, on the left bank of the Mtkvari, and from ground level to the top of its gilded cross it rises just over 86 metres, so you see it from most of the city. The complex includes a freestanding bell tower and landscaped gardens, and the cathedral itself has nine chapels, some of them below ground.
Visitors come for the scale and for the services, when chant fills the huge interior. The grounds are pleasant for a walk and give good views back over Old Tbilisi and Narikala. Sameba was built to mark 1,500 years of the Georgian church's autocephaly and 2,000 years since the birth of Christ, and it has become a symbol of the church's revival after Soviet rule. Dress modestly; women cover their heads, and wraps are available at the entrance.
History
The cathedral was designed by Archil Mindiashvili, whose plan won an international competition. The foundation stone was laid on 23 November 1995, and the cathedral was consecrated on St George's Day, 23 November 2004. Building on Elia Hill took in part of the old Armenian Khojavank cemetery, which caused lasting controversy. On its completion Sameba replaced Sioni as the seat of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.
What to see and do
- Stand inside one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world
- Attend a service to hear Georgian chant
- Walk the gardens and look back over the Old Town
- See the cathedral lit up at night from across the river
How to visit
Getting there
Sameba is a 5–10 minute walk uphill from Avlabari metro station, or about 20 minutes on foot from the Old Town across the Metekhi Bridge.
When to go
Sunday morning service or early evening. Plan 45 minutes–1 hour here.
- Women should cover their heads and wear a skirt; wraps are available at the door.
- Men should avoid shorts.
- Do not photograph worshippers during services.
- Combine with Metekhi Church on the walk down to the river.
Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba): FAQ
How tall is the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi?
Sameba rises about 86 metres from ground level to the top of its cross, which makes it one of the tallest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Because it stands on Elia Hill, it is visible from much of the city.
When was Sameba Cathedral built?
The foundation stone was laid in 1995 and the cathedral was consecrated on 23 November 2004. It is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
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Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba).
