packing4two

While exploring Tbilisi, we visited the Metekhi Church perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Mtkvari River. This Georgian Orthodox church sits on the left bank of the river opposite Tbilisi's Old Town, providing excellent views of the city.

The church we see today was built between 1278 and 1289 under King Demetrius II of Georgia, though local tradition claims its origins go back much further to the 5th century. The building seems to grow naturally from the cliff it stands on, following the Georgian architectural tradition of harmonizing structures with the surrounding landscape.

Standing proudly next to the church is the imposing equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi. The bronze monument shows the king on horseback with an extended arm, creating a striking silhouette against the sky. This statue honors the monarch who, according to legend, discovered the hot springs around which Tbilisi was built in the 5th century (Tbilisi comes from the Georgian word "tbili" meaning "warm").

The Metekhi Church has a tumultuous history. Over the centuries, it has served as a royal residence, a fortress, and a prison during Russian Imperial rule. It even faced demolition during the Soviet era. Fortunately, local protests saved it from destruction. The church was only returned to religious use in 1988, previously used as a theater.

We couldn't take photos inside the church, but the exterior with its carved stone decorations was impressive enough. The church follows a cross-in-square design typical of Georgian architecture, with three convex apses on its eastern façade.

The viewing platform around the church and statue offers some of the best panoramas of Tbilisi. The Old Town, Narikala Fortress, and the winding Mtkvari River are all visible from this vantage point. Many tourists and locals alike gather here to enjoy the views, especially at sunset, when the light on the old city is particularly beautiful.